Does genome testing make any changes in cancer treatment?

Question

Hello Doctor,

I am a 45-year-old male, recently diagnosed with cancer, and my oncologist informed me that he can conduct cancer genome tests to detect certain mutations before initiating treatment. I feel confused as I do not quite understand how this test works and whether it is really necessary.

Moreover, the test is rather expensive, and therefore, I am interested in its effectiveness in terms of the therapy.

Does genome testing make any changes in the treatment regimen in most cases?
How reliable is this test?
Will this test inform about the potential risk of the development of the same cancer among my relatives?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand the concern.

I understand and can imagine how frightening and anxious you might feel after receiving the diagnosis of cancer. You do not specify what kind of cancer you have, but, generally speaking, genetic testing is now widely used for the treatment of many kinds of tumors.

Genetic tests detect some specific mutations present in cancerous cells, which help doctors choose the treatment option, especially for more advanced stages of cancer.

The outcome of the genetic test can show whether targeted therapy or immunotherapy will work in your particular case. Genomic testing can also help understand whether chemotherapy, which means anticancer drugs, will be the best choice. Treatment of cancer now involves more personalized methods, including genetic testing.

As for accuracy, most of the genomic tests conducted in accredited labs are quite accurate. But the value of these tests depends on the kind of cancer, as well as the presence of genetic mutations with FDA-approved targeted treatment options.

Sometimes, the outcome of the genomic test becomes a crucial point for treatment decisions, and sometimes it doesn't matter for changing the treatment regimen.

It is important to understand that most of the genomic tests check for the mutations that occur in the tumor itself (somatic mutations) and do not indicate anything regarding the risk of inheriting cancer among relatives. If you are concerned about it, you will need a different kind of genetic test in consultation with a geneticist or oncologist.

These tests are rather costly. If you do not have insurance coverage for such a procedure, it is worth asking your oncologist about possible participation in clinical trials or special patient assistance programs. Sometimes, the costs of genotyping and treatment in such a program are covered for the participant.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.