It's normal to feel scared, shocked, and uncertain when you're diagnosed with cancer. "What's going to happen now?" and "What kind of treatment will I need?" are probably on your mind. But did you know that even the same type of cancer, such as breast cancer, can be different from person to person? Just like our fingerprints, every cancer has a unique 'genetic signature'. By reading that signature, medical science has now been able to choose the best, most effective treatment for your cancer. Today, we're talking about that revolutionary method, which is genomic testing.
Simply put, what is genomic testing?
This may sound like a complicated word, but the concept is very simple. Think about it, our bodies are made up of millions of cells. Each cell is given instructions by genes. Cancer cells are a type of cell that has this instruction system messed up and divides uncontrollably.
Genomic testing takes an in-depth look at the genes in your cancer cells. It can then identify specific changes, or mutations, in those genes. Simply put, it uncovers the secret code that helps cancer grow and spread.
But this is not a test that every cancer patient needs. For example, a cancer that is very slow-growing and can be easily cured with standard treatments may not need such an in-depth test. Most often, these are used for rare cancers, or for cancers that do not respond to standard treatments. Your doctor is the best person to make this decision.
What are the main benefits of these tests?
Why would a doctor recommend this test? There are several reasons for this. This test can be a very important tool in determining the cancer treatment plan.
| Usefulness | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Choosing a treatment that suits you (Targeted Therapy) | In the past, cancer was treated in a 'one-size-fits-all' way. That means the same medicine for everyone with lung cancer. That's not the case anymore. Genetic testing finds the 'mutation' of the cancer and gives drugs that attack only that mutation (Targeted Therapy). For example, some lung cancer patients have a gene mutation called (EGFR). They are given drugs that target that gene. There are also specific drugs, such as (PARP inhibitors), for breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers with the (BRCA) gene mutation. |
| Understanding the ability to tolerate treatment | Sometimes cancer cells are very cunning. Over time, they become resistant to the drugs they are given. A genetic test can predict in advance whether your cancer is likely to be resistant to a particular treatment. If so, your doctor can start a different, more effective treatment from the beginning. |
| Determining whether further treatment is needed | Imagine that you have had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Is there a risk that the cancer will come back? A genetic test can measure the aggressiveness of the cancer and estimate how much risk there is. If the risk is high, further treatment (e.g. chemotherapy) may be needed to prevent the cancer from coming back. |
| Minimizing side effects | Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can kill not only cancer cells but also healthy cells. That's why there are side effects like hair loss and vomiting. But targeted therapy, which is found through genetic testing, is like a missile that hits the target exactly. It goes straight to the cancer cells and hits them only. Therefore, the damage and side effects to healthy cells are much less. |
| Finding a new treatment (Clinical Trial) | Sometimes, there are experimental drugs that may work better than currently approved treatments. This is what we call 'Clinical Trials'. If there is a new study somewhere in the world that matches the genetic mutation in your cancer, this test can also help connect you to it. |
How do I decide if I want to take this test?
This is the most important question. Remember, this is not a decision you should make alone. This is a decision you and your oncologist should make together .
Your doctor will consider several factors before recommending this test:
- The type and stage of your cancer.
- What treatments you have received in the past and how you responded to them.
- Your overall health.
- Based on the information obtained from this test, whether there are any targeted therapies that can be given to you.
Don't be afraid to talk openly about this with your doctor. Ask questions like, "Doctor, is this genetic test appropriate for my cancer?", "What are the benefits of this test for me?", "Will my treatment plan change based on the results of this test?" It's your doctor's responsibility to explain everything in a way that you can understand.
This technology has brought great promise to the field of cancer treatment. We now have the ability to end the era of one-size-fits-all treatment and provide each patient with personalized treatment tailored to the genetic makeup of their cancer. That's a really big deal.
Take-Home Message
- Cancer is not a single disease. Each cancer has its own unique genetic signature.
- Genomic testing is used to find specific genetic changes (mutations) in cancer cells.
- Using this information, targeted therapy can be selected that is more effective and has fewer side effects.
- This test is not necessary for every patient, and the best decision is made in consultation with your doctor.
- Don't hesitate to ask your oncologist about this new technology. Being informed is an important step in your healing journey.
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