Genomic cancer testing can paint a more precise picture of your cancer.
Genomic cancer testing, commonly referred to as biomarker testing, is used to identify unique DNA alterations, or changes, within cancer cells that determine how your tumor behaves and why it grows.
That knowledge may help your doctor recommend treatments that have been approved or are in clinical trials based on the specific alteration identified.
of patients who undergo genomic cancer testing find actionable alterations, which means that they could be matched to either an approved therapy or a drug in a clinical trial
targeted therapies are currently approved by the FDA with more in development
Note that genomic cancer testing is different from genetic testing. Genomic cancer testing helps identify DNA alterations that may be driving the growth of your tumor, whereas genetic testing looks at the unique attributes of a person's genetic profile that may confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.
Why should I ask my doctor about genomic cancer testing?
We are used to hearing about cancer treatments in relation to a specific part of the body, such as breast, lung or prostate in a one-size-fits-all approach. Genomic cancer testing is important to discuss with your healthcare team because it has the potential to:
PERSONALIZE cancer care by helping you better understand your diagnosis and begin appropriate therapies earlier.
INFORM doctors who can recommend appropriate treatments by understanding the specific drivers of your cancer.
REDUCE the number of treatments you may try by identifying more targeted treatments earlier.
ADVANCE the use of precision medicine by identifying your cancer’s underlying genomic make-up, in addition to where the tumor is located.
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What happens during a genomic cancer test?
Your doctor and testing lab teams work together to choose a testing method that will be most effective in helping to understand your tumor.
TUMOR BIOPSY
A doctor collects a (or uses a previously collected) small tissue, blood or bone marrow sample.
ANALYSIS
Cancer cells are identified then analyzed for abnormalities in a lab. The abnormalities may determine how your tumor behaves.
RESULTS
Any abnormalities are compared against known alterations (if any) that are related to currently approved therapies and those being evaluated in clinical studies.
DISCUSSION
The results may help your doctor suggest treatments that are specific to your tumor's genomic make-up.
How do you picture your cancer?
See how a few real cancer patients have described their cancer.
I call my cancer Bobette. I think she looks like a small monster with slimy skin. She’s not cute and fluffy, she’s kinda scary and mean.
– Elysa, 7
A small white puffer fish in a pond. They don't have a face, but instead float around and try to duplicate. I don't see them as mean looking devil emoji's, more like silly 'fluff balls' getting fatter and pro-creating.
– Oscar, 36
I imagine my cancer as an explosion of sharp, mutated cells, growing out of control. It’s dark in the middle but becomes colorful as I learn more about it.
– Bryce, 49
I imagine my cancer as a healthy, bright green plant, with one of its limbs fading in color as my cancer attempts to shut it down, one limb at a time.
– Brian, 53
It has always been sneaky, clever, relentless and the worst enemy I have ever encountered. It hates me and the feeling is mutual.
– Howard, 67
How does genomic cancer testing change
my unique treatment journey?
The genomic profile of each person’s tumor is unique. Traditional cancer medicines have not been customized based on these differences. Today there is a shift towards precision medicine.
Genomic cancer testing helps make precision oncology possible by identifying what may be driving the cancer, regardless of where it occurs in the body. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, precision medicine delivers treatment specific to an individual's genomic make-up.
Precision medicine helps guide the cancer treatment journey.
What are the common types of tests your doctor may request?
NGS
Next-generation
sequencing
IHC
Immunohistochemistry
FISH
Fluorescence in situ
hybridization
RT-PCR
Reverse transcription
polymerase chain reaction
What can these tests find?
Genomic cancer tests can identify different DNA alterations, or changes, specific to your individual tumor, regardless of its location in the body. The results of the test can lead to treatment options that are matched specifically to each individual's cancer.
Types of genomic alterations can include KRAS, HER2, BRAF, EGFR, ALK, ROS1, NTRK gene fusions, and many more. One cancer that can be caused by changes in a gene is called TRK fusion cancer, which is driven by an NTRK gene fusion.
What is TRK fusion cancer?
TRK fusion cancer is caused when an NTRK gene joins – or fuses – with a different, unrelated gene.
The fusions produce certain proteins that can cause a tumor to grow or spread. The only way to know if a cancer is a TRK fusion cancer is through genomic cancer testing.
Understanding the relationship between NTRK gene fusions and TRK fusion cancer
TRK fusion cancer is diagnosed by the presence of NTRK gene fusions.
NTRK Gene Fusion
The NTRK gene is an essential building block for the body and has specific roles, such as helping to form nerves that help with touch, pain and memory. When this gene joins – or fuses – with another unrelated gene, it is called an NTRK gene fusion.
TRK Fusion Cancer
TRK fusion cancer occurs when NTRK gene fusions are present. The fusions “turn on” certain proteins called TRK fusion proteins. These proteins can cause cancer cells to grow.
Learn More about the Presence of NTRK Gene Fusions Throughout Body
Resources
Download this guide for a set of questions to help you feel empowered to start the discussion with your doctor
Download our genomic testing fact sheet to learn more and share with others
You can learn more about the importance of genomic cancer testing from these advocacy organizations:
