Genomic testing can identify biomarkers to target specific types of cancers and help prevent normal cells from being harmed by therapy and reduce side effects. Knowing which biomarkers are driving a patient’s tumor growth could open the door to personalized treatment options, including access to clinical trials that may give patients the chance to live well and longer.
Genetic vs genomic testing – what’s the difference? Genetic testing is done using a sample of blood, urine, saliva, hair, amniotic or other body fluid, to test for inherited mutations from your parents that could increase your risk for certain types of cancer. Genomic testing checks your tumor cells for biomarkers to help form a treatment plan.Identifying molecular and genetic testing is critical for matching patients up with new therapies being developed. We need to understand them and make sure our AC/PMP patients are being tested for them. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, talk to your oncologist about genomic testing.
Join the zebra herd and spread the word about rare cancers and genomic testing this #RareCancerDay (September 30th)!