Advanced genomic testing
Advanced genomic testing is a diagnostic tool designed to identify specific mutations in the DNA of cancer cells. Some cancers may have no known mutation, and some may have only one; others may have several—any one of which could be driving the growth of the tumor. If a mutation is recognized, it may help doctors recommend a precision cancer treatment that targets only the cells with those mutations. Advanced genomic testing, though, is not recommended for all patients.
Targeted therapy
One of the precision cancer treatments that may be recommended based on the results of advanced genomic testing is targeted therapy. These drugs are designed to seek out and find specific genes or proteins that may be unique to cancer cells or influence their behavior. When they've reached their target, these drugs may either kill the cell or help other treatments, such as chemotherapy, work better. Targeted therapy is an evolving science, and not all cancer types may be treated with targeted therapy drugs.
With advanced genomic testing, you’re trying to identify mutations within cancer cells that are kind of an Achilles' heel of that tumor that you can then target or use that to the cancer’s disadvantage."
— Dr. Cynthia Lynch Medical Oncologist; Medical Director of the
Breast Center at CTCA near Phoenix
Learn more about advanced genomic testing
Learn more about targeted therapy