What is Precision Oncology?
Precision oncology is tailored cancer treatment to the individual tumor characteristics, including the patients genetic makeup. It is a customized and innovative approach to cancer therapy, screening and targeted prevention that is based on tumor sequencing
as well as hereditary genetic makeup.
What are the benefits of precision oncology?
Precision oncology gives us the ability to target the right treatment, to the right patient at the right time. It helps us guide precise and targeted cancer therapy. It also helps identify patients at high risk for cancer, which can lead to enhanced monitoring
and early detection. Additionally, this multidisciplinary approach helps guide optimal surgery for cancer.
Common types of cancers treated with this method
Every type of cancer has unique molecular characteristics. Precision oncology aims to uncover and better understand these characteristics in order to create a treatment plan for your individual diagnosis. Common types of cancers researched by our team
include, but are not limited to:
What criteria needs to be met for this treatment?
Any patient who has significant personal or family history of cancer under the age of 50, or a patient diagnosed with a form of advanced cancer that has been advised to participate in tumor sequencing would be a great candidate for precision oncology.
How to get started
Patients with a cancer diagnosis should talk to their to learn more about the precision oncology services available to them. In addition, anyone with a significant family history of cancer who would like to learn more about preventative and genetic testing options should talk to their primary care physician.
What to expect
Patients with a cancer diagnosis should work with their oncologist to have a comprehensive tumor sequencing analysis. Your doctor will discuss the results and formulate a plan in accordance with the findings in the tumor genomics.
For patients interested in preventative measures, a genetic hereditary risk evaluation is available. During this evaluation, the patient will meet with a team to better understand their potential risk factors, as well as give a blood or saliva sample
for comprehensive multi gene panel testing.
IS THIS PROTECTED BY THE GENETIC INFORMATION NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT (GINA)?
Yes, this is protected by GINA.
IS THIS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
In most cases, yes. If insurance does not cover, there are resources available to assist.
HOW DOES THIS IMPACT MY FAMILY?
Family members share similar genes, so your results may be of benefit to other members who can then get tested, and learn about risk based prevention and early detection.
SHOULD I TEST MY CHILDREN?
Testing your children can be beneficial. It can be the first step towards early detection and prevention for them as well.