Colorectal Cancer

What do my Signatera ctDNA test results mean for my cancer?

Need help to understand this test results Signatera is a personalized, tumor-informed test for the longitudinal detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Interval testing is recommended for all patients. Studies have demonstrated that when ctDNA is detected (Signatera Positive) following surgery or definitive treatment, the risk for disease relapse is high without further treatment. Conversely, when ctDNA is not detected, the patient may be considered at lower risk for relapse. For those with multiple timepoints, upward trending ctDNA levels are suggestive of increasing tumor burden (1,2). For a single time point in isolation, the absolute MTM/mL value has no known clinical significance and should not be compared across patients. Test results should be interpreted in context of other clinicopathological features. ctDNA detection sensitivity may be limited due to blood collection within two weeks of surgery and while the patient is on therapy. Signatera is a quantitative test and reports in units of mean tumor molecules per ml (MTM/mL), which is comprised of three measured components (plasma volume, cell free DNA (cfDNA) concentration, and Variant Allele Frequency (VAF)). The MTM/mL number will be qualified if any measured component falls outside the analytical measurement range for that component. The analytical sensitivity is 95% at the limit of detection (0.3 MTM/mL). Results obtained are specific to the assessed time point. A negative test result does not definitively indicate the absence of cancer. This test is not designed to detect or report germline variation, nor does it infer hereditary cancer risk for the patient. Each Signatera assay is designed to a single tumor for a given patient. At this time, multiple personalized Signatera assays cannot be developed for the same patient. This test is designed to detect ctDNA from the assayed tumor only; new primary tumors will not be detected. There is a low risk that a new primary may share a variant that could interfere with the Signatera test. Testing cannot be performed in patients who are pregnant, have a history of bone marrow transplant, or history of blood transfusion within three months. This test is expected to have limited sensitivity in cancer types such as GIST, renal cell carcinomas, primary brain tumors, and lymphoma due to limited ctDNA shed. 1 Bratman SV, Yang SYC, Iafolla MAJ, et al. Personalized circulating tumor DNA analysis as a predictive biomarker in solid tumor patients treated wi

How to get rid of bad taste from liquid morphine under tongue?

Hello, hugs, and good healing to everyone as a colorectal patient especially from my tumor in my bottom (rectal) I take along with slow release, morphine a liquid to sublingual under my tongue. Yes it works, but it taste absolutely disgusting. Does anyone have any suggestions help to this flavor that lingers in my mouth? thank you .

What does neurotic mean when describing a tumor on CT scan?

Hello I was reading my ct scan and iy says my tumor is neurotic what does that mean?

What helps you get through long 7-hour chemo infusions for colon cancer?

Hello my friends. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and I will be starting treatment this Wednesday. They say say I have to do infusion for 7 hours. Wow has anyone had to experience something like that? What help you get through the chemo and what was soon food or drinks that may have help as well? Thanks

What are the side effects after colon resection surgery?

Hello, Anybody who had a colon resection surgery how did it go and do you have any side effects after that. Thank you

What does my husband's cancer DNA sequence mean?

Wish I understood the dna sequence for my husbands cancer.

How long does it take to gain weight back after cancer treatment?

Hi everyone.. How many months or days it takes for anyone to gain weight post the surgery or treatment… my weight isn’t significantly increasing… is there something wrong

Does chemo cause sore throat during colon cancer treatment?

Good Morning I was diagnose with colon cancer in sept 2023. I started my chemo therapy in January 2024 and started doing the chemo pills for about 3 months. Then in 2025 my ct scan showed up with some cancer cells was under my left collar bone so I start chemo therapy again. The question I have to asked have anyone experience having a sore throat after having treatment on a regular.

Should I find a new oncologist if mine seems to be giving up on me?

I have a question. Would you go back to a oncologist if you feel like they are giving up or being forced to go to there office.

Has anyone refused rectal cancer surgery due to concerns about getting a stoma bag?

Hi, I everyone! So sorry to hear about what you all are going through. Apologies for the length of this!Just diagnosed with rectal cancer after a colonoscopy (& concurrent polypectomy of the huge polyp/tumor found, shown to be cancerous with unclear margins ) which I chose to do on my own, but took a month to schedule with a gastroenterologist! Anyway, I immediately switched to a top surgeon at MSK. After MRI & CT there showed Stage 3, however, (fortunately, CT scans were clear!) the entire team met and offered me 2 options; immediate surgery to remove most of rectum, etc., or waiting 6 weeks for a second MRI to see how much of what was shown could actually be inflammation from the polypectomy. I quickly chose Option 2, which they recommended. Here is my question for all of you: Has anyone refused surgery because they just could not live with an ostomy/illeosomy/etc. involving a bag? This top surgeon says he never does surgery without putting in at least a temporary stoma (and not to trust any surgeon who says he can do this surgery without one.) While that can often be reversed months later, my research shows that's not always the case. If the second MRI does still show the cancer, I am willing to go through chemo, radiation, etc. Not a candidate for immunotherapy, unfortunately. The doctor says they will still treat me even if I refuse surgery. Has anyone else out there chosen this path? Thank you so much for all your help!