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How to Talk to Your Doctor About Signatera for Lung Cancer

For lung cancer patients and survivors, understanding your risk and staying ahead of potential recurrence is crucial for long-term care. Traditional imaging can detect changes, but it may miss microscopic levels of cancer activity. This is where Signatera’s personalized ctDNA test offers a game-changing advantage.

1. How is Signatera MRD Test Used in Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates among cancers. In fact, around 30-50% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients experience recurrence after initial treatment (Verywell Health). Standard imaging techniques may not detect whether surgery or radiation eliminated all of the cancer, or whether the cancer has returned until it’s more advanced. Signatera, however, identifies molecular residual disease (MRD) by detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in your blood—potentially giving your care team the opportunity to take action earlier, when treatment may be more effective.

2. Ask How Signatera Fits into Your Treatment Plan

Since Signatera provides highly sensitive, personalized MRD monitoring, it can track your cancer’s genetic fingerprint, even before visible signs show up in scans. This allows you and your oncologist to make more informed decisions, including adjusting treatments early if recurrence is detected.

3. Understand the Value of ctDNA Testing

Signatera’s ability to detect minimal amounts of ctDNA allows it to flag potential recurrences months earlier than other methods. This extra time could mean more treatment options, potentially better outcomes, and more time to discuss an informed care plan.

4. Discuss Testing Frequency and Timing

After initial treatment, recurrence can occur unpredictably. Signatera’s serial testing—often done every 3 months—can help you stay on top of your cancer status over time. This regular testing means that any significant changes in your ctDNA levels are monitored continuously, so action can be taken as soon as possible. Discuss the frequency of testing with your doctor for their recommendations.

5. Consider How It Can Support Your Immunotherapy or Other Treatments

If you're receiving immunotherapy or targeted therapies, Signatera can also monitor how well your treatment is working. By tracking ctDNA, it offers your doctor real-time data on your treatment response, allowing for personalized adjustments. It can guide discussions around treatment changes, whether that’s continuing, stopping, or switching therapies.

6. Clarify Insurance and Costs

It’s important to understand how the test fits into your health plan. Signatera is covered by Medicare for specific cancer types and is supported by various insurance plans. You can refer to Natera’s patient discussion guide for more details on coverage and financial assistance options. This guide also outlines the process and how results are shared with you and your doctor.

Signatera can help provide lung cancer patients and survivors deeper insight into your health. It helps you stay one step ahead, allowing you and your doctor to make data-driven decisions about your care. By discussing these questions with your doctor, you can determine if Signatera is the right tool to help monitor your cancer and ensure a more proactive, personalized approach to your care.

What Is Signatera, ctDNA, and MRD Testing?

If you’re new to terms like Signatera, ctDNA, and MRD testing, here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Signatera is a personalized blood test that helps monitor for cancer recurrence by detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Unlike traditional imaging, which looks for visible changes in the body, Signatera tracks tiny fragments of DNA shed by your tumor into the bloodstream. The goal is to catch molecular changes early, often before symptoms or scans detect recurrence.
  • ctDNA stands for circulating tumor DNA, which refers to small pieces of genetic material released by cancer cells. By identifying ctDNA in your blood, doctors can monitor for molecular residual disease and potential cancer recurrence.
  • MRD (Molecular Residual Disease) Testing refers to using ctDNA to detect microscopic traces of cancer in your body after treatment. MRD testing helps determine if any cancer cells remain after surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, guiding doctors in making treatment decisions and catching recurrences early.

Signatera’s personalized ctDNA testing allows your doctor to closely monitor your lung cancer status over time, helping them make data-driven decisions about your treatment.