tumor testing?

I would like to know how many people on this sight have had their tumor tissue tested for chemo sensitivity?  How do Drs. know what to use?

Donna wife of Rob dx 12/08 GBM4

Good question.

 I've had my tumor tested, but not gotten the results yet.

Did they do it at the hospital where you are being treated or send it out somewhere?  How long ago did you have surgery?  Any bit of info will help. So far my husbands Drs. do not suggest getting it done.  I have brought it up and the NO said that the testing is still inconclusive, Jefferson University Hospital, Kimmel Cancer Center, Phila.

Thanks Donna

Hi Donna,

 My boyfriend has had his tested.  His came back that he was resistant to the chemo.  There are mixed reports on what to use and how to use it.  Some feel that you should still do the chemo but with something else. Others, feel that if you do chemo every day but at a low strength that it will break down the resistances  to the chemo.  There are trials out there that are starting to address this.  I do not know who is right.  I have done some research on it and found that the info is also mixed.  There is a group of Dr's that are leaning more towards doing the daily chemo treatment. 

There are some who believe that even if the tumor test for chemo resistance..that is still might not be. That the "standard  treatment" might still work.   It is really hard to know what to do.

This sounds silly...I think that the chemo treatment everyday sounds like it might work...this is the thought...if you hit a cement wall with a hammer  long enough it will break down.. some what...same idea with the tumor????

I would talk to your doctors and see what they think. 

Good Luck..

Linda

Boy, did you have a good question. I think that the fact the NO is testing is a step in the right direction. I would want to know exactly what characteristics they are testing for and what the suggested treatments would be.

Methylation is the most obvious characteristic, but there are others. I would get a list of what is being tested for and do my own research on what the current accepted response to the tests are. That way you at least would be aware of what is being done and why. I do not believe this has been accepted and is in the current main stream for treating this disease.

Our NO says "Close but no cigar" to testing.Yes, it will happen, but they are not there yet.They do test but so far the results are not conclusive,I suspect that would be a Universal thought.

Don