Genetic And Genomic Testing
At North Houston Cancer Clinics, we stay ahead of the latest medical developments, including genetics and genomics. These leading techniques enable us to delve deeper into cancer molecular mechanisms thereby helping in making choices on personalized treatment and improving patient outcomes.
Types of Genetic Testing
Let’s see what genetic and genomic testing types are offered in our centers.
- Hereditary Genetic Testing
– BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing: Identifying mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are associated with breast, ovarian, as well as other cancers.
– Lynch Syndrome Testing: Identification of malfunctions through the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2 genes that could be related to colorectal among other cancer types.
– Lynch Syndrome Testing: Identification of malfunctions through the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2 genes that could be related to colorectal among other cancer types.
- Somatic Genomic Testing
– Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP): Studying all the genomic components involved in a tumor to recognize somatic mutations alongside copy number alterations among other such aberrations.
– Liquid Biopsy: Monitoring response to therapy via detection of circulating bits of DNA from tumors after treatment, identifying minimal residual disease (MRD), or identifying emerging resistance mechanisms.
– Liquid Biopsy: Monitoring response to therapy via detection of circulating bits of DNA from tumors after treatment, identifying minimal residual disease (MRD), or identifying emerging resistance mechanisms.
- Pharmacogenomic Testing
– Drug Metabolism Genotyping: Variants that influence drug metabolism pathways can be evaluated to assist oncologists predict reactions towards chemotherapy agents as well as targeted therapies individually.
– Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) Analysis: Measuring total amounts of somatic cell versions that exist within human tumors allowing understanding whether immune checkpoint inhibitors will work for some patients or not.
– Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) Analysis: Measuring total amounts of somatic cell versions that exist within human tumors allowing understanding whether immune checkpoint inhibitors will work for some patients or not.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
– Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): This is aimed at detecting hereditary cancer syndromes on embryos before placement during fertilization in vitro processes using certain genetic markers.
– Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS): This checks whether embryos have chromosomal defects to increase IVF success rates and minimize genetic transmission problems.
– Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS): This checks whether embryos have chromosomal defects to increase IVF success rates and minimize genetic transmission problems.
- Germline and Somatic Variant Classification
– Variant Classification: This is the process of determining the pathogenicity and clinical significance of genetic variants detected through testing aimed at facilitating clinical management decisions.
Importance of Genetic and Genomic Testing:
– Early Detection: Genetic or genomic tests may identify inherited or acquired gene faults that increase an individual’s risk for developing cancer or having it advance thus leading to early intervention opportunities.
– Personalized Treatment: By examining a patient’s tumor molecular signature using genetics and genomics tests, oncologists can customize treatment regimens targeting specific genes thereby optimizing therapeutic response.
– Risk Assessment: Individuals with family histories of cancers can undergo testing for hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes to evaluate their likelihood for it through increased surveillance, lifestyle modification, or intervention minimizing such chances.
– Clinical Trials Participation: When conducting genomic testing, actionable targets may be discovered making patients eligible for enrollment into precision medicine-based clinical trials where they receive novel targeted therapies hence contributing towards advances in cancer research.
Genetic & Genomic Testing North Houston Cancer Clinics
At North Houston Cancer Clinics we leverage genetic & genomic testing capabilities to personalize cancer care to optimize treatment outcomes.
Procedure for Genetic & Genomic Testing
- Patient Consultation & Assessment
– Before undergoing genetic testing, patients are thoroughly discussed by our dedicated oncologists as well as expert advisers in genetics. In these meetings, medical history is examined together with family histories so that the benefits sought from the test can be realized while at the same time determining those who are at risk.
- Sample Collection
– Most frequently, a small amount of blood or saliva is used during the process of performing genetic tests on a patient. The DNA extracted from this sample becomes subject matter for gene analysis.
- Laboratory Analysis
– The obtained specimen is taken to our laboratory which incorporates modern techniques for studying genes that exist in any given organism. Our professionals use PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technologies to scrutinize DNA molecules for any specific mutations/alterations associated with tumor progression or carcinogenesis due to genetic causes.
- Data Interpretation and Counseling
– The obtained specimen is taken to our laboratory which incorporates modern techniques for studying genes that exist in any given organism. Our professionals use PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technologies to scrutinize DNA molecules for any specific mutations/alterations associated with tumor progression or carcinogenesis due to genetic causes.
- Treatment Planning & Follow-Up
– Personalized treatment plans backed by genetic testing data are crafted for each patient’s unique case to minimize cancer risk. Such may involve personalized surveillance modalities, prophylactic interventions or targeted therapies against inherent drivers of carcinogenesis.
The Significance of Lab Tests
- Early Detection: Laboratory tests and blood works identify subtle abnormalities such as changes in blood chemistry, tumor markers, or genetic tests that point towards early stages of malignancy even before any symptoms appear.
- Guidance In Treatment: These show the kind of cancer, how far it has developed, and its pace and they help an oncologist make decisions on therapy so that therapeutic efficacy is achieved.
- Disease Monitoring: Laboratory tests together with blood work keep track of progression rate, response to treatment, and chances for recurrence through constant biomarker readings among other indicators.
- Personalized Medical Care: Customized testing protocols based on the patient’s medical history, family background, and suspected type of cancer offer an individual approach to diagnosis as well as preparation for treatment.
- Patient’s Improved Outcome: A better prognosis due to timely correct diagnosis from laboratory/blood works leads to higher life expectancy along with enhanced quality living standards.
- When examining laboratory-based data about blood, it is mandatory to correlate them with various forms of imaging studies such as MRI scans, CT scans, and PET scans. This verification confirms its authenticity in terms of diagnosis, staging, and planning for the next steps
FAQs on Genetic & Genomic Testing for Cancer Diagnosis
– The analysis of an individual’s DNA to identify inherited mutations or alterations linked to increased susceptibility to cancer is known as genetic testing. This information assesses how likely it is that someone will develop cancer, allowing one to make choices about prevention and early detection.
– Genetic testing would be useful for people who have had cancer in the family, especially if there has been more than one case in the family or it was diagnosed when they were young.
– The latter is achievable by conducting genetic tests on specific genes thought to be associated with inherited cases of cancer e.g. breast and ovarian cancers caused by BRCA1and BRCA2, Li-Fraumeni syndrome brought about by TP53 as well as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) due to APC.
– Genomic testing is done through full DNA sequencing of a tumor to identify somatic mutations and alterations of the genome that lead to the progression of cancer, unlike genetics which considers inherited predispositions.