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CTC Test for Recurrent/Metastatic PCa

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Posted 11/11/2011 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
Do any of you guys get this test regularly and if so, has any correlation been identified between your CTC count, PSA and/or mets? My take on this test is that it is simply another "marker" to help identify progression that would help to determine aggression level of treatment. I'm wondering if the CTC count does not typically show a count higher than zero until PSA is at X or above. This is a question for our Oncologist on our next call but I just thought I'd throw it out there to get any insight any of you may have.

Thanks,
Amy
Posted 11/11/2011 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
I have seen this test used for men who have rising psa while on treatment, and at some level of psa well above "normal". I am unaware of its use or usefulness for men at earlier stages. It may have predictive or monitoring function for men who are moving to more toxic or investigational treatments. Outside of those newly diagnosed with advanced disease, I do not see a use for it in the case of your man. I stand ready to learn the opposite from his oncologist
Posted 11/11/2011 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Amy,

I asked my oncologist about this test. He was not that familiar with it so I gave him the brochure. He noted that it would most likely not be that useful in my case as it would not change the recommended treatment. I said well it may give me some peace of mind. Later I thought on the other hand it may just up the anxiety level. At the end of the day I let it drop. (ignorance is bliss) But I still wonder. Would be nice to see what your hubby's doc says about it.

Don
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