Personalized Diagnostics for Personalized Treatment
Having a thorough understanding of the personal and particular genetic mutation signatures for your specific cancer allows oncologists and researchers to determine whether and how well you may respond to different types of treatment.
Starting the Conversation
Personalized Diagnostics tests may not be useful for everyone—the first question to discuss with your physician is whether or not this type of genomic testing is appropriate for you or your loved one and whether the information obtained from this test will be helpful.
To address these questions, it is important that you understand the nature of your cancer, how your particular type of cancer is treated, and what potential benefits knowing the mutation status of your tumor can bring.
Asking the Right Questions
Depending on the type of cancer you have, there may be commonly associated mutations to look for in a genomic test.
In most cases a single mutation is not solely responsible for the growth of a tumor, but in fact there are often a group of "driver" mutations working together.
The Center for Personalized Diagnostics calibrates a genomic test to specifically identify the mutations in your cancer’s genetic code—offering a truly individualized screening, with results custom-tailored to your body.
To find out if Personalized Diagnostics are right for you, download the Personalized Diagnostics Test Request Form and speak to your oncologist.
Using the Results of Your Personalized Test
Depending on the genetic subtype of cancer you have, there may be common or uncommon mutations associated with your cancer and specific drugs interacting with these targets may be available.
The benefit of these targeted agents depends on how critical the target was in the development of your cancer. In some instances, more than one target may need to be inhibited in order to achieve a response. It is also possible that the combination of a targeted therapy, in combination with traditional chemotherapy or radiation, may "tip the balance."
These are discussions you need to have with your oncologist to determine whether this knowledge would be beneficial to you and whether DNA sequencing can make your therapy as specific and effective as it can possibly be.
Go back to general patient information about Personalized Diagnostics.
Useful Links
For more information, please visit the following sites:
Abramson Cancer Center Clinical Trial Information Service
Oncolink Cancer Resource List, General Cancer Information
My Cancer Genome, A freely available online personalized cancer medicine resource and decision-making tool for physicians, patients, caregivers and researchers that provides information on specific gene mutations.
Learn Genetics
National Cancer Institute
Information for Patients
Consult with your oncologist to determine whether DNA sequencing can make your therapy as specific and effective as it can possibly be.
Questions and information, please call 800-PENN-LAB.
Frequently Asked Questions