Posted 7/6/2018 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Faustmann ~
Last fall, my primary oncologist asked my permission to try something new --- I was diagnosed in my 40s, and my grandfather and father have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, so I represent the third generation of men in my family to be diagnosed.
We discussed the potential benefits of testing some of my tissue that was already stored in the lab from my original diagnosis. This included a lung biopsy, which proved that the prostate cancer had already infiltrated both of my lungs at the time of diagnosis.
With those things in mind, he requested that tissue samples be sent to a genetics testing lab, located in a distant state.
Some weeks went by, and my oncologist received a multi-page genetic analysis, which is now kept in my file --- for the future.
The hope is that emerging treatments and medications can eventually be used for my case.
Personally, I felt my oncologist was being proactive --- looking to the future --- and "riding the wave" into the future of individualized treatment possibilities.
For those considering this idea with their medical team, you might want to get preauthorization from your insurance company, if you want to insure that the genetic testing will be covered by insurance.
In the future, I believe that the genetic component will become standard practice, as we step into the world of individualized medicine.
Hoping you and your doctor are on the trail of something great, Faustmann!
CYCLONE - Iowa State University