BCI Test

Veeder14

I saw my MO recently and asked about this test. She said it will be done when I've completed 5 years of Tamoxifen, and that they use your original tumor for the test.

My question is since the original tumor is used for the test, why would it only be done after completing 5 years of Tamoxifen? Couldn't it be done before starting anti hormonal treatment?

SpecialK

The BCI test can be done at the outset, but I have seen that only once with a member in the time I have been on this site. The reason it is done at the five year point is because a minimum of five years on anti-hormonals is currently standard of care. The BCI test is not an absolute - rather it is a genomic test that aids in decision making processes after completion of the minimally recommended treatment standard. I had the BCI test done at five years and fell into the unfortunate category (approx 10% of results) of high risk of recurrence with low benefit of continued anti-hormonal medication. My thoughts were the same as yours - if my original tumor was tested and the result is low benefit - did this mean I was receiving low benefit all along? MO said possibly - we don't have enough data to know at this point - so we settled on having a PET scan at that time just to do a status check. I continued letrozole for another 2.5 years for a total of 7.5, and then discontinued with the blessing of my MO due to the need for some dental surgery. My maxillofacial surgeon needed me off any medication that impacted bone.

Veeder14

Thanks Special K for explaining about the BCI test! At the 5 yr point I'll talk it over with my MO. counting the time when I can get off of this stuff, it feels like it's tearing apart my stomach even with stomach meds.

DebAL

hi ! I am 3.5 years in and on arimidex. My tumor was sent this past august and got my results. Those results don't apply of course until I hit the 5 year mark. I wanted my oncologists opinion on the BCI since she was moving. I had a great relationship with her and she said "let's just order it so u have the info" never hurts to ask!