Transforming Cancer Treatment with Genomic Testing
As research continues, the potential for breakthroughs in precision medicine grows, promising a brighter future for cancer patients and heralding a new era in the battle against this devastating disease.
FREMONT, CA: Genome testing has brought a transformative change to the field of cancer care, making the development of personalised medicine more accessible. Analysis of the cancer genome at an individual level has paved the way for targeted therapies widely regarded as the most promising approach for enhancing cancer management.
Cancer is a highly diverse disease, with varying cancer cells showing distinct morphological, genetic, and phenotypic characteristics. Even within a single type of cancer, differences between patients make it challenging for physicians to determine the most effective treatments for them. To address this complexity, cancer genomic assays have been developed to identify DNA mutations, mutational load, and tumour-specific antigens that drive the development and progression of specific cancers.
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How Does Cancer Genomic Testing Work?
Cancer genomic testing involves sampling the patient’s blood, plasma, or other biological fluids to isolate circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) derived from cancer cells. Next-generation sequencing identifies driver mutations, monitors treatment response, and detects treatment resistance.
Liquid biopsy next-generation sequencing is emerging as a less invasive and more potent alternative to conventional tissue biopsy. It offers faster results and accurately identifies cancer-specific biomarkers during treatment and follow-up. Comparing liquid biopsy findings with baseline tissue biopsy and imaging-based results assist in monitoring tumour recurrence and treatment resistance. While liquid biopsy has shown promising clinical outcomes in cancer diagnosis and treatment, its application for screening in asymptomatic populations is limited due to lower levels of cDNA in early-stage cancers, making it more challenging for patients.
Utility of Cancer Genomic Testing
Cancer genomic testing using next-generation sequencing of cancer samples offers extensive information about the cancer genome. This includes details on sequence mutations, insertion or deletion mutations, changes in copy number, structural rearrangement, and loss of heterozygosity, reflecting the genetic diversity in the DNA.
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