What are the benefits of Genomic Testing

How does genomic testing help with my cancer?

Advances in genomic testing are allowing us to identify suitable treatments for cancer and understand how a patient’s cancer is likely to interact with the range of treatments available. 

Most mainstream approaches to treatment are based on standardised protocols revolving around surgery, chemotherapy and radiology. There is now clear evidence that such protocols may not be suitable in all cases as they do not take into account the efficacy of the treatment for the individual patient at the cell level. 

Using genomic testing, ConnectGene Care can examine the DNA and RNA of your cancer to match the most suitable and effective treatments for you. This may include the standard treatment protocols, or may allow us to find more targeted treatments available.

Clinical trials of over 70,000 patients have shown that personalised therapy, based on genomic profiling of tumours, is effective in improving outcomes, with higher response rates, longer progression free and overall survival, and fewer deaths related to adverse events across cancers.

Through a genomic testing approach, ConnectGene Care’s oncologist can plan your treatment with personalised insight.

What about the cost of genomic testing?

Genomic testing is more expensive compared to standard tests. Recent studies, however, have shown that the increased upfront cost may lead to substantial cost savings and reduced mortality risk over time. 

This is because genomic testing allows us to determine the efficacy of treatments and identify which are most suitable at the cellular level for your cancer, ensuring you do not lose precious time and money on ill-suited treatments.

Studies have looked at the impact of genomic profiling in the treatment of cancer, with researchers finding an association between the timing of genomic testing and reduced costs and mortality risk.

Sources:

• Kehl, K.L., et al. (2020). “Assessment of Temporal Selection Bias in Genomic Testing in a Cohort of Patients With Cancer.” JAMA Network Open 3(6). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2766816.
• Pennell, N.A., et al. (2019). “Economic Impact of Next-Generation Sequencing Versus Single-Gene Testing to Detect Genomic Alterations in Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Using a Decision Analytic Model.” JCO Precision Oncology. https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/PO.18.00356.
• Subbiah, V. and R. Kurzrock (2016). “Universal genomic testing needed to win the war against cancer: Genomics is the diagnosis.” JAMA Oncology 2(6): 719-720. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553950/.
• Jardim, D. L., et al. (2015). “Impact of a Biomarker-Based Strategy on Oncology Drug Development: A Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials Leading to FDA Approval.” J Natl Cancer Inst 107(11). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26378224/.
• Schwaederle, M., et al. (2015). “Impact of Precision Medicine in Diverse Cancers: A Meta-Analysis of Phase II Clinical Trials.” J Clin Oncol 33(32): 3817-3825. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26304871/.