SCOT-DNA-L Archives

From:
Subject: DNA Testing and Cancer patient -- Does it affect the test?
Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 08:31:41 -0700 (GMT-07:00)

Hello:

I just received a question from someone regarding a potential candidate for one of the
DNA studies. As it is something that may be of interest to others I am posting my response
to the list(s).

Q: 82 yr old man, just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Would his cancer or his treatment
affect the testing/sample.

I initially responded .... hmmmm.... maybe? I will check.

A: What I found out is that if the treatment for the cancer has begun, either chemotherapy or
radiation, it *may* affect the sample and therefore the testing. However, it may not.

If the nucleous of the cell is damaged, then the sample will not read from allelle 12 to 13.
The test would "fail." The lab technicians would test and retest and then inform that the
sample is too poor. It could mean a lot of work for the technicians that ultimately would
bear no fruit, but "we" would know why. The technicians would not.

If the nucleous was not damaged, and the person's sample would have matched someone
of the surname 6 months ago, then it would still match.

Timing of the therapy could have bearing on whether the test fails or not. If chemo/radiation
was some time ago, then it would likely have less affect on the results.

When a situation such as this arises, it is preferred that if there is a son, the son be tested
instead of the father. If this is the ONLY male available, then rather than have no avenue for
testing, go ahead with the test. The worst that can happen is that the test fail. However, it
might not.

So... I guess I was right! Maybe. :)

Yours Aye

Lauren
List Admin

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