MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Anyone have experience with the new DecisionDx test?
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Anyone have experience with the new DecisionDx test?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Anyone have experience with the new DecisionDx test?

  • Post
    • January 3, 2018 at 12:54 am
    jetdoctor67
    Participant

      Hello Everyone,

      My Doctor suggested this DecisionDx test to see how likely my melanoma is to return.  Has anybody had this test done?  What is the cost? Does Insurance cover it?  

      Thanks for any comments.

      Terry

    Viewing 4 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 3, 2018 at 12:31 pm
        Joycem
        Participant

          I had when derm recommended, at that time there was no cost to patient although they are trying to collect from insurance, but will not bill me. I would check carefully because I believe it was about 8 thousand dollars. Result came in 2 or 3 weeks as I remember. 

          I came back in highest risk category, 2b which was not surprising. So far no recurrence though. There is another thread if you use search box here. 

          Best wishes, 

          joyce 

            • March 10, 2018 at 11:11 pm
            Roxanne218
            Participant

              Joyce, That's great you have had no recurrence so far! How long since your DX diagnosis?

              My DX score was a 2b also which I found out 2 days ago, even though I've been a Stage 2a. It was a surprise to me, as I had the WLE with results saying clear margins Seems as though the doctors I've talked to have a lot of faith in this DX test. I was hoping they'd have a ways to go yet in their accuracy, but it sounds right on for the most part.

              Don't like my DX diagnosis after feeling good about everything for weeks re: my stage 2a and clear margins. Well now I have to keep positive more than ever since I found out much more information from this test.

            • January 3, 2018 at 1:03 pm
            ed williams
            Participant

              Hi Terry, It is not new, they have been trying to get this to market for the last decade!!! Here is a link to the topic of Biomarkers in Cancer Immunotherapy, with Melanoma references, because Immunotherapy has broken out in other cancers from Melanoma research. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9tJtdxXVJY

              • January 3, 2018 at 7:54 pm
              jetdoctor67
              Participant

                Follow-up

                Just called Castle and was told if you have insurance they will bill your insurance.  If insurance does not pay they will write it off.  They said they do not bill the patient. 

                • January 4, 2018 at 1:21 am
                Bubbles
                Participant

                  There have been several discussions about "decision dx" on this forum…use the search bubble if you are interested.  I think the marketing that Ed is referring to is more about this company trying to get a toe hold in this patient population and greater prescription by doctors.  Currently they are willing to provide it for "free", when they must, to get that grip on this "niche" market…if you will.  That is not to say there is no value in what they are selling.  Here is a post on Decision Dx that I put together over a year ago:

                  http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2016/02/damn-spam-blockerfor-chris-et-aland-all.html#comment-form

                  I really think that we are on the cusp of having some excellent tests that, through a simple blood draw, we will be able to ascertain tumor burden, response to therapy, predictors of the most effective therapy for the particular patient, etc.  However, we are not quite there yet…and when we are, I am not at all certain that Decision Dx will be THAT test.  Still…if you take the info you gain with a grain of salt and it is really "free"….what the heck?  Go for it.

                  Here is a post, with many links within, that addresses the many efforts toward biomarkers that I think hold much more promise:  http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/search?q=biomarkers&max-results=20&by-date=true  

                  I wish you my best.  Celeste
                   

                  • January 4, 2018 at 2:39 am
                  jetdoctor67
                  Participant

                    Thank you all for the time to reply I really appreciate it.  Good information.

                      • January 5, 2018 at 2:03 am
                      Happy_girl
                      Participant

                        My only thought is know what you will do with the informatikn if it comes back high risk.  I had a dr suggest it- it CR back high risk, and his words to me when I asked about next steps where “ I don’t know, you’re my first.”   Not saying that will be your experience, but just something to think about.  Mine did come back highrisk….and I will (prayerfully) be 4 years NED in April. 

                        • January 5, 2018 at 10:22 pm
                        jetdoctor67
                        Participant

                          My Doctor did say they still don't know what to do with the results yet if positive.  He said he may order a CT scan.  Still waiting on results.  BTW My Doctor is Dr. Jason Luke at University of Chicago.

                          • January 5, 2018 at 11:17 pm
                          ed williams
                          Participant

                            Great to hear, your in good hands from what others have said and his reputation in the field is off the charts!!!

                      Viewing 4 reply threads
                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                      About the MRF Patient Forum

                      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                      Popular Topics