Genetic counseling & testing, need advice

Can't help with Lynparza. However, I did both Decipher testing on a cancer sample after surgery and also did genetic counseling and testing.

Based on the little I know, Decipher testing would not be done for metastatic patients as its role is to provide guidance on probable metastasis and mortality for treatment planning. Foundation One sounds like it may be different and more similar to DNA testing.

The genetic counseling was interesting and required that I establish a family tree with cancer histories before anything else, much harder than it seems when all people remember is Uncle Bob was a drunk and that is what killed him. I suspect this helps a lot in getting insurance to pay for the actual testing if there is some reason to suspect genetic issues. After the session, the blood was taken and then I had a telephone discussion about the results a few weeks later. Nothing of interest came up but I was doing it primarily for my two boys in case there is something more that they should know about other than Dad has/had cancer. There were 23 specific items (BRCA's were on the list) that they checked for that have some association to PCa. There are probably more today as they told me the field is advancing quickly back then.

I would go for all the items that the Oncologist recommends after your Mayo visit and discussion. Knowledge is power in the fight so the more information, the better. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Thanks very much for the information, very helpful. I will follow up as advised with AZ.

Long story, short ...

Diagnosed in my 40s, my grandfather, uncle and father have all been prostate cancer patients ~ representing three consecutive generations of my family.

That's seemingly a pattern, right?!

With that in mind, mu oncologist recommended two genetic tests. These were relatively new and he felt these were important. I did, too ~ especially since I have six nephews.

One involved a blood sample that was shipped off ...

The other required a tissue sample, which was obtained from the original biopsy I had when first diagnosed. Tissue from that had been saved in the lab.

Surprisingly, when I met with the consultant in the oncology department after reults came back, there was NO indication of a genetic cause for my prostate cancer, despite the fact that my grandfather, father, uncle, and I have all been diagnosed, over time.

These documents are in my file. All my treatment data is also entered in a large database at Mayo Clinic, in the hopes that my data can help other patients in the years to follow, since I had upfront chemotherapy and was the first fellow at my clinic to try ZYTIGA.

One thing that's important ~ please seek pre-approval for genetic testing from your insurance provider. My oncologist had to submit an appeal to my insurance company, as these genetic tests were so now, stating information gleaned would guide my future treatments.

Otherwise, you may incur the full cost of these tests ~ and hsve to pay out-of-pocket ~ and the prices can be steep.

So check into insurance coverage and costs UPFRONT.

For my case, I was glad I pursued these genetic tests. I wanted to leave "no stone unturned" in meeting my future health goals!

With my best to you,
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University