Can this type of genetic testing help you get better cancer treatment?
A new study has proven the value of something that we’ve been doing for many years – in fact, for a decade now! – to help our patients find out important information about whether they have any cancer-related mutations in their body that are hereditary.
There is a type of genetic testing called inherited (germline) mutation testing. This type of sequencing can determine if there are any cancer-related mutations in a person’s body that were inherited genetically. If you know that you have inherited mutations, it becomes possible to then proceed with a very simple ctDNA test for early detection. So if your inherited cancer-related mutations ever do develop into cancer, you’ll know as soon as possible. And you can also get tumor DNA sequencing done – as well as RNA sequencing – to determine which targeted treatments will target your exact cancer-causing genomes.
Basically, inherited mutations testing ensures that you won’t be caught off guard – especially if you have reason to believe you might have inherited cancer-related mutations. (For example, if one of your parents developed cancer before the age of 50.)
This test lets you have the very best chance of catching any signs of cancer before it develops into anything serious, and knowing exactly which drug to treat it with at the first onset of growth.
CTOAM is ahead of the curve
This is something that our team has been doing for the past 10 years with our patients!
And now, more studies are starting to show what we’ve known all along. Here’s what our Precision Cancer Medicine expert, Alex Rolland, shares about this new research:
“Previously it was thought that inherited (germline) mutations were only causing less than 5% of cancers. We started doing large scale genomic sequencing years ago and noticed a much higher percentage.
A recent study found that the number for lung cancers is actually much higher than 5% and as high as 15% in certain cancers – but most importantly, many of these inherited cancer-causing mutations (as high as 95%) also were targetable with current drugs that are used for other types of cancers. In other words, the inherited mutations found in lung cancer patients can be targeted (eliminated) with certain targeted therapies that are already available! So getting inherited mutation testing provided the opportunity for treatment in these patients.”
This is very hopeful news!
However, Alex also notes that the “best way to determine the mutations involved in your cancer is by using tumor DNA sequencing.”
How can you get better cancer treatment?
Would you like to find out if germline testing, tumor DNA sequencing, or any other type of genetic or molecular testing can help you?
Or if there’s a better treatment option for your cancer than what your doctor has given you?
We’re here to help you make the most informed decision about your cancer care –
Register for a Precision Second Opinion with our expert, Alex Rolland, today.
Get clarity around your cancer care, now.
on August 24, 2022