IL28B, is it avalable in canada, ontario?

hello,

is IL28B test available in canada?

just wondering how can i get it here.

thank you
andy

[Trish77]

Hi Andy,

Your question made me curious and since I want to book a PCR (2 yr post SVR just to clear my mind), I called my Dr.'s office at Toronto Western Hospital and left a msg on both and got a nearly immediate response.  Seems unfortunately the IL28B test is not available in Canada.  If you were going to do that, you'd have to go to a lab in the U.S. and pay for it yourself.

You'd have to consider how much the information is worth to you and if the doctor you're seeing is familiar with that and knows how to apply that knowledge.  You'd be able to apply it for yourself.  I guess if I was going to do treatment again, I would do an IL28B test, knowing that it's only one piece in a puzzle.

Hope that helps some?

Trish

[Trish77]

Hi Andy,

Your question made me curious and since I want to book a PCR (2 yr post SVR just to clear my mind), I called my Dr.'s office at Toronto Western Hospital and left a msg on both and got a nearly immediate response.  Seems unfortunately the IL28B test is not available in Canada.  If you were going to do that, you'd have to go to a lab in the U.S. and pay for it yourself.

You'd have to consider how much the information is worth to you and if the doctor you're seeing is familiar with that and knows how to apply that knowledge.  You'd be able to apply it for yourself.  I guess if I was going to do treatment again, I would do an IL28B test, knowing that it's only one piece in a puzzle.

Hope that helps some?

Trish

[andy_k]

hi Trish,
thanks a lot for your answer!

i've just seen messages on the forum about this test and was kinda thinking why don't get it if possible, just to have more info about my chances.

don't have any open tx options for now, still waiting for my second appt with GI to disscuss the results of my biopsy and blood tests.

would like to get on board with the new meds, but not sure how long will it take to have them available and paid by insurance companies in canada...

thanks a lot!
andy

[54Marie]

Hi!
I am in Canada and about to participate in a clinical study in which they will test for that gene...

[Trish77]

It doesn't mean the test is available in general to people in Canada.  Clinical trials operate under different parameters.  I would imagine they are sending the specimens down to the U.S. for the results, along with the specimens for the PCR results as well.  

[willbb]

To 54 marie  & Andy....Trish is correct.. the Il28b test is not avail.here and in the trial I was in results of that test were sent to Quest in the States I believe....however marie the results of that test are blinded in the trial I was in ..so might be a thought to ask them if that is the case also. with your trial.

Will

[andy_k]

hello,

still doing quite a bit of thinking about possible treatment, and got another question about il28b test:

just wondering, how much does it cost and where in US close to toronto i can get it done?

i'm canadian and will need to pay for it myself.

thanks
andy

[Boobert]

The test is around $300.00 and just look up Lab Corp or Quest Diagnostics locations.

[Boobert]

191 North Street Suite 1 Buffalo NY 14201-1510 (Quest)

4500 MAIN ST AMHERST, NY 14226 (Lab Corp)

[Trish77]

http://www.questdiagnostics.com to find the phone # to call.  Good luck with that.  I did try to get through at one time when investigating this with another Canadian but never managed to get through within the week of attempting to.  They were eventually able to find a way to get the PCR they wanted in Canada - the attempt was not for an IL28B test at that time.

You might want to call first and see if they'll take a Canadian without a doctor's prescription.

Good luck with this if you decide to follow through, Andy.  You won't be the first Canadian looking to get this done and I'd like to know how you make out, if you don't mind. It will be useful for others who want to pursue this also.  Thanks Andy.

Trish  

[andy_k]

thanks a lot for the info!

i'll let you know how i make out, if i finally decide to go for it.

for now i'm just exploring all my options and getting ready for my next appt with GI next week...

[Trish77]

I hear you, Andy.  I'm the type that explores all the avenues towards helping me settle on a decision and course of action that makes sense to me.  Good luck with all this and sorting out what's best for you.

Trish

[andy_k]

just fyi

i've called quest diagnostics and talked to thier customer service.

they told me that to get IL28B test done i will need a script from a US doctor, and they will not do it without it, even if i pay for it myself (without insurance)

canadian script for this test is not good for them. i don't have it anayways, but did ask them, just to be sure.

[willbb]

Hi Andy....that"s interesting . I believe I was told by Labcorp  they do the test out of their lab in Buffalo N.Y.  I can"t remember now wether we discussed a script needing to be by a U.S. doc or a Canadian one was ok.

If you are interested in looking into it further ..maybe give their Customer service a call.

1-800-845-6167.

take care

Will

[andy_k]

thanks Will!

but that # is only for billing inquiries.
i've tried to call to their location in Buffalo 716-839-1637, but nobody answering, getting a voicemail box.

will try to call them again next week...

[willbb]

The billing no.will transfer you to the Lab dept.

[willbb]

Andy...if no luck getting them to transfer you    this is the number in buffalo...leave a msg. if you can...I did once  and they got back to me . 716-839-1637

Good luck

Will

[andy_k]

thanks Will!
i will try to call them next week.

ps
it looks like two TMC-435 studies are looking for participants in ontario
(just in case if you are considering the tx)

[andy_k]

interesting article about prediction of SVR for different IL28b types:
http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v106/n1/full/ajg2010370a.html

[Vannh9]

I find this thread very interesting because I am being seen at the Head Hepatatologist at Duke and they didn't do the il28b test in the multitude of test that were done. I asked why not?   They said we would talk about it when I go in on the 27th. I continued to research and it looks like the il28b genome test is not as relative with the new triple therapy drugs. Especially Telaprevir which is what they want me to treat with. if any one has additional information about the relativity with the new meds....please share.

I felt the same way you guys do....it is another piece tot the puzzle....my exact words to my doctor.

Thanks
Vann

[willbb]

Hi Vann...this article gives results of a study done as how The different IL28B alleles did with tela(Incivek) compared to PEG/Riba ....there was quite significant differences especially fot the CT and TT alelles....however the test is not always done ..as it is somewhat a moot point   other than to know even if you have the 2 less desirable alleles ,,there is still a 70  _75% chance of success with Incivek.

Best
Will

http://hepatitiscnewdrugs.blogspot.com/2011/05/hepatitis-ctelaprevir-ups-response.html

[suezeeque]

The study I'm in did "pharmacogenetic testing" on my first visit.  It is a double blind study.

I am able to have the results of this testing at EOT.  My consent form gives warning about possibly having to disclose the results of this testing, if I decide to be informed of the results, to insurance companies in the future.

I haven't decided yet if I want those results.  I'm thinking probably no.