|
Once you are diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) and have begun therapy,
it is important for the doctor to regularly assess your prognosis. By monitoring
you throughout your treatment, your doctor can make more-informed decisions about
your care.
Traditional methods of monitoring include:
- physical exams
- laboratory tests
- serum tumor markers
Another common method involves radiographic imaging, such as the CT scan. Imaging
is performed at certain intervals of time― typically starting about 12 weeks after
a particular therapy has begun―and is used to measure changes in the size of the
tumor to determine if therapy is having an effect.
Another, newer method for monitoring MBC is the CellSearch® CTC Test.
Unlike imaging, the CTC test counts the number of cancer cells that have broken
away from the tumor and are currently circulating in the blood stream. Clinical
studies have shown that detection of these cells can predict disease progression
and survival in patients with MBC.
A CTC test can be performed at the start of therapy, and then as early as the end
of the first cycle of therapy. There’s no need to wait 12 weeks, as is the case
with imaging. This flexibility allows doctors to make informed patient care decisions
earlier.
References:
1. Facts for Life: Metastatic Breast Cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Available
at:
http://cms.komen.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/komen_document/011056.pdf.
Accessed June 2007.
2. Metastatic Breast Cancer. All about Life Challenges. Available at:
http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/Metastatic-Breast-Cancer.htm. Accessed
June 2007.
3. Patient Resource Cancer Guide: Metastatic Breast:
http://www.patientresource.net/userfiles/files/Metastatic%20Breast_LO.pdf.
 |
This publication includes content for patients facing advanced & metastatic breast
cancer. It discusses diagnostic testing, treatment strategies, symptom management
and the emotional & psychological effects of living with this disease. A list of
financial and advocacy support groups is also included.
|
|