Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) test?

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Cutie
Cutie Member Posts: 67
edited April 2020 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

I am looking to have a test for CTC in a lab. Does anyone know where I can do this and how much it will cost. My oncologist sent to Quest Diagnosis but they stop doing it

If you have done it, please let me know the procedure. My insurance will not cover and I want to know how much it will be. I have done treatment and want to know how this test will eveluate.

Thanks so much in advance.

Cutie


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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited October 2019

    I sure hope you get an answer soon. I haven't heard of this test, but if it's available I also want one.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited October 2019

    It’s a blood test that can identify tumors in the blood system - Circulating Tumor Test. I’ve read the cost can range from $400 to several thousand. Costs depend on what is done in your case. I’m guessing insurance won’t pay because they don’t deem it necessary. What reason did your insurance company give for denying coverage and can you appeal their decision?

    FYI my husband and I appealed a decision from BC/BS and won. To me it’s always worth trying if you can. Good luck.

    Diane

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  • Cutie
    Cutie Member Posts: 67
    edited November 2019

    Thank you for your information. I am still looking for the lab. Quest Diagnosis said they no longer do it. :(

    Cutie

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2019

    https://www.cellsearchctc.com/about-cellsearch/what-is-cellsearch-ctc-test --- this is for metastatic BC and prostate cancer, but yesterday I found one for colon polyps and colon cancer. How would the test be used for early stage BC?

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  • Cutie
    Cutie Member Posts: 67
    edited November 2019

    I don't know. I m still working with my MO. Will post if I know in detail.

    Cutie

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  • Murfy
    Murfy Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2020

    Cutie, did you get the blood CTC test? If I am still NED at 5 yrs, I'm thinking of having the test performed, along with BCI test, to determine if I can go off AIs. From my reading, if CTC <1, then no metastatic disease. Appear to be several vendors for CTC test, and cheapest price was $350, which I would be happy to pay for peace of mind!

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited January 2020

    Murfy -- Who gave you the quote of $350? I talked to my oncologist last week and he is willing to order the blood draw and send the test if I can find who to send it to. I meant to call CellSearch today, but have instead had to work on home insurance quotes -- that's pretty hard with my brain fog.

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  • Cutie
    Cutie Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2020

    Sorry for delayed response due to log in issues and had some contamination of probably mites from restaurant thayi am now dealing with.

    To answer your question, yes I had CTC test done by Mayo clinic via Stanford. Because my oncologist is from Stanford and she ordered request. The results came back as none. My insurance paid some and I have to pay some portion.

    I hope everything goes well with you. I m dealing with mite issues. Please be careful when you go to public areas.

    Wishing you all the best.

    Cute

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited February 2020

    Cutie:

    I'm glad your test came back negative. I have to ask, what kind of mites? Do you mean something like scabies or internal parasites?

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2020

    I called all the labs that Cellsearch uses and none would give me a price. You have to go through your provider for the price. I talked to the lab manager at the hospital that I will use and my price will be $650. Since CTC's are just prognostic in early breast cancer my insurance won't pay for it. I don't know what's wrong with me --- I just can't stop until I know everything I can about my cancer prognosis.

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2020

    I posted too soon ----Cutie - so glad you don't have CTC's. Aren't you relieved!

    Edwards750 -- My husband and I did the same thing - appealed a BCBS denial and won.


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  • SuzJ
    SuzJ Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2020

    Biocept.com has a CTC test. I am in the process of having the test run but don’t have all the details. I would encourage you to have a detailed conversation with your caregiver and investigate what information is reported back to you. I originally thought it could tell me what kind of cancer I have and if it had spread to other parts of my body but I was wrong. My naturopathic doctors will use it to determine the effectiveness of treatments. I would also be clear about the cost of the test before ordering it.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2020

    Welcome, SuzJ, and thank you so much for sharing your story and insight. We hope the test is helpful in determining which treatments will be most effective for you!

    The Mods

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2020

    SuzJ

    Have you had a biopsy? Why don't the doctors know what kind of breast cancer you have? That must be stressful. If I don't have the CTCs then I may decide never to take the estrogen blocking drugs. Still can't decide. However, since this test is prognostic I want to know.

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  • SuzJ
    SuzJ Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2020

    I did recently have a biopsy and have invasive ductal carcinoma, estrogen & progesterone positive, HER2 negative. The Biocept CTC test is supposed to drill down even further and allow docs to determine effectiveness of treatments. First test is baseline, thenthe treatment and then another CTC. Still unclear about costs but understand its atleast $1,000. I have really bad insurance which probably won't pay for it. Still working out all the details.

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2020

    I know that they use the CTC for metastatic patients to see if the drugs are working. I think insurance pays for those patients. However, for early stage the CTC's are just prognostic . Will you be having surgery?

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  • Cutie
    Cutie Member Posts: 67
    edited April 2020

    Sorry for late response due to battling with mites issues at home. I think it may be related to immune. But still dealing with this. I kept thinking to get back to you.

    My CTC was to see if there was any issues. Yes I did surgery for BMX in July 2019 but still not feeling pain sometimes from scars. Hope all are well with you.

    Cutie

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