HER2 blood serum test - has anyone had this?

JFL

Has anyone had experience with the HER2 blood serum test? It is used as a tumor marker-type test but also occasionally used to assist in identification of HER2+ disease where a biopsy is not available.

To date, I have been HER2 - but requested this test after I had a recent extreme explosion of mets in my liver in a 3-month time span between scans. I want to rule out that my liver mets turned HER2+. I had this test recently with questionable results. My levels came back out of normal range but only by 1 point or so. My MO is not worried, he thinks it is fine and that I am not HER2+. However, I still have questions. Out of normal range = out of normal range. Also, with my regular tumor markers, at my worst, I have only been 1 point above normal on CA 15-3. Even though my tumor markers are on the low side, directionally, my tumor markers have always been consistent with what is going on in my body and a reliable indicator. I would like a liver biopsy to rule out HER2+ but my MO doesn't think it is necessary now. He says we could consider it if current treatment doesn't work.

Would be interested in hearing about anyone who has had or currently uses the HER2 serum test.

pwilmarth

I've been part of a clinical trial since last year sponsored by Genentech:

SystHERS Registry

They drew blood last year and repeated it this week. I'm assuming this is what they are doing. I've never heard any results, but I know that it's related to DNA testing.

Here's more information:

HER2/neu

Many lab tests may be out of normal range by a point or two. The question is have you had this test before? How do your current results compare to this new test?

If you're worried, ask for a repeat test at your next appointment. If there's a rise, you will know if you're trending towards HER2+ disease. If it's stable, you're okay.

JFL

Pwilmarth, thanks for your response. Does your doctor receive your results even if you do not?

I do know that one isolated test on its own is not of much benefit for anything. My issue is that I feel I owe it to myself to rule out an HER2 flip and would like a biopsy to confirm one way or the other. I would be using the HER2 serum test results as a reason to get that biopsy. Aside from my MO not being overly eager to do a biopsy, my DH is concerned about me having a liver biopsy as he believes they are risky. He performs liver biopsies and other liver surgeries so he does know firsthand. He says that the liver will start bleeding if you look at it during a surgery

RonnieKay

JFL...did you have a liver biopsy w/your mets dx in '14? So many have liver biopsies and it seems with very few complications. It was ordered immediately when my scan showed extensive liver tumors...6 months after a clean scan & diep flap recon. I understand your husband being cautious with his beloved, but the "what ifs" are significant if you have biologic options! Hope Woody chimes in here with pwilmarth...she's also very knowledgable about her2 switching. When I had my 3rd dx (liver mets), my onc's words were, "I knew you you needed herceptin!" She said if she'd have been able to keep me on it...from first dx, stage 2, she would've. Her2 + is a bugger...but it can be controlled....hopefully, for a long time!!! Stay strong & continue to advocate!!!!