What Is Genomic Testing in Cancer?

Genomic testing in cancer analyzes an individual's genes and/or gene products (proteins, RNA) to identify specific genetic alterations that may contribute to the development or progression of a cancerous tumor.

Genomic alterations found in cancer cells can drive abnormal growth, proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis. These alterations include:

- Mutations (variations in DNA sequence)

- Large-scale chromosomal abnormalities (deletions, amplifications)

- Inherited variants predisposing to cancer

Genomic testing in cancer plays a crucial role in:

- 精准的诊断: Cancerous tumors can be categorized into specific subtypes based on their genetic profiles, allowing for more precise diagnoses.

- 指导治疗: Identifying the genetic alterations responsible for cancer growth enables the selection of targeted therapies that specifically inhibit or counteract those alterations. This has led to the development of personalized treatments, such as targeted drugs, immunotherapies, and hormone therapies, which are more effective and have fewer side effects.

- 患者分层: Genomic testing helps stratify patients into prognostic or risk groups based on the genetic characteristics of their tumors. This can aid in determining the most appropriate treatment strategies and predicting patient outcomes.

- 药物发展: Understanding the genetic basis of cancer can inform the development of new drugs that target specific genetic alterations. This drives advancements in cancer research and the continuous search for more effective treatments.

- Clinical Trials Eligibility: Genomic testing may also help to identify individuals who may be eligible for clinical trials that are evaluating novel and promising treatments specifically tailored to particular genetic profiles.

Overall, genomic testing has become an integral part of cancer diagnosis and management, providing valuable insights into the underlying biology of cancerous tumors and enabling more precise and individualized treatment approaches.