Comprehensive popular science: Do you really understand why genetic testing is required for cancer treatment?

Cancer is a general term for a large group of diseases, the common denominator of which is uncontrolled cell proliferation. Under normal circumstances, the cells in our body will grow, differentiate, and die, but cancer cells only grow and differentiate, not die. The immortality of this cell leads to uncontrolled control, and the body cannot bear it and dies. Cancer is becoming more and more common, and its diagnostic technology is constantly improving, so that many people in the human bodyThe cancer was discovered early.

　　The basic status quo of cancer treatment: Four points of the world

§ Surgery ( Surgery and Interventional Department)

§ Chemotherapy (cytotoxic + targeted drugs + hormonal drugs)

§ Radiotherapy (X-ray radiotherapy : gamma knife, Thom knife, wave knife and proton heavy ion radiotherapy )

§ Immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors + cellular immunity + vaccines)

Surgery can remove early small tumors, which can be regarded as a ”radical cure.” However, even if the cancer patients are cured, some will still relapse. Moreover, many tumors can only be partially removed, and there is no guarantee that they will not relapse. Therefore, for many patients after surgery, radiotherapy can be used to consolidate treatment and completely remove residual tumors after surgery, but radiotherapy can only illuminate local tumors, which is not effective for spreading tumors or multiple metastatic tumors. In addition, there is only chemotherapy left, and it is often recommended to use drugs for treatment for a period of time or for life. For those patients who are inoperable, in addition to radiotherapy , chemotherapy or immunotherapy can only be considered.

Clinicians have found in tumor treatment that human tumors vary widely. Even if they are tumors in the same part, the treatment effect and method should vary from person to person. This kind of treatment method for different diseases adopted by people and diseases is called “individualized treatment.” Therefore, in the process of cancer treatment, only when the same disease is treated differently, it varies from person to person, and individualized treatment can be implemented, so that different types of patients can choose the right drugs for them.

　　One person, one plan is the future trend of cancer treatment

Different patients and different tumors have different sensitivities to various chemotherapy drugs and immune targeted drugs. Many patients have used very expensive chemotherapy drugs or targeted drugs in accordance with past experience or diagnosis and treatment guidelines, but the tumors have not been effectively controlled. There are many such situations, and it is really “losing a wife and losing a soldier.” So, in addition to choosing drugs based on experience, is there any way to prejudge the suitable drugs for each patient, or for each tumor?

With the continuous deepening of research at the molecular level of genes, more and more tumor cell signaling pathways have been discovered. A large number of clinical studies have shown that the amplification/mutation/expression status of specific genes in the pathway is closely related to the effectiveness of targeted chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, clinically detecting the amplification/mutation/expression of specific genes in these pathways can “tailor” a set of the most suitable treatment plan for each patient, thereby maximizing the efficiency of treatment, reducing the toxic side effects of drugs, and avoiding improper medication. Delay the timing of treatment.

　　Genetic testing helps achieve accurate cancer treatment

Genetic testing is to maximize the correctness of each patient’s drug choice. Before choosing a drug, test the patient’s genes to see if there are reported drug target genes in the patient’s body. If there is a target gene, then the possibility of patients being sensitive to drugs will be greatly increased.

For example, liver cancer is not very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy , and it is very difficult to choose chemotherapy drugs and immune targeted drugs. Some patients passed genetic tests and found that they were sensitive to an anti -lung cancer drug. Immediately, this anti -lung cancer drug was purchased and used , and the ideal therapeutic effect was obtained. Some lung cancer patients with liver cancer were found to be insensitive to the only liver cancer treatment drug (solafinib) recommended by the guidelines after testing, but sensitive to other drugs. The patient chose other anti-cancer drugs in time, eliminating the tens of thousands of treatment costs of trying solafinib. Of course, genetic testing is not a panacea, but it can still greatly improve the efficiency of medication for many patients.

In addition, another advantage of genetic testing is that it can detect whether there is a mutation in a genetic gene, which will sound a wake-up call to the immediate family. For example, it is well known that the mother of Hollywood star Angelina Julie died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56 . “Genetic tests have shown that I carry a genetic defective gene-BRCA1 in my body. This gene will greatly increase my risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer . The doctor estimates that I have an 87% and 50% chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer ,” Hollywood star Angelina Zhu said.Li said.

So, in May 2013, she decided to have a bilateral mastectomy; two years later, Julie underwent ovarian and fallopian tube surgery again to reduce the risk of future cancer to 5%. This ”faulty” gene-BRCA1, and it will greatly increase my risk of breast and ovarian cancer . Therefore, for patients with breast and ovarian cancer , genetic testing is more needed, not only to find a targeted drug that suits them, but also for the nearest relatives!

　　Genetic mutations–Targeted drugs–disease control–precision treatment

Using genes as clues, find out the driving genes of tumorigenesis and development, that is, the key genes, and conduct translational research, that is, laboratory research and clinical research, so that patients can get the right drug treatment at the right time, so as to achieve the best therapeutic effect, the smallest toxic side effects, and the highest quality of life. Therefore, the first step in precision treatment is precise cancer genetic testing!

　　Genetic testing companies choose carefully

At present, there are more than 3,000 domestic genetic testing institutions, with a group of excellent large companies, but there are also a large number of small institutions, and even a small laboratory can do cancer genetic testing for patients. For the same patient, the test results and analysis results of different genetic testing companies are different. Missing a mutant gene, missing a life-saving drug, and missing a cutting-edge clinical trial means losing the opportunity for treatment!

Choose authoritative genetic testing experts as much as possible. Different levels of genetic testing are very different from testing equipment, data analysis, expert teams, clinical matching, etc. A high-quality whole genome sequencing can benefit patients throughout the tumor treatment process! So try to choose a full genetic test to fully understand the mutation situation! If financial ability permits, try to choose a full genetic test to facilitate doctors to fully understand genetic information! The pathological specimens of general cancer patients are very limited, and the detection of only a few targets for tissues of the same size wastes valuable resources. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic mutations of cancer patients will provide molecular evidence for the entire treatment process in the future. When new targets and targeted drugs appear in the future, it is necessary to re-acquire the patient’s tumor tissue for genetic testing, which is very difficult for many patients. (Reference: Good Doctor Online Oncology Specialist)

　　Benefits at the end of the article: Xiaobian will briefly introduce you to several authoritative genetic testing companies at home and abroad for your reference.

　　China

　　Generics (NGS whole gene test: tissue 509 gene+TMB+MSI+PD-L1, blood 179 gene+TMB+MSI; single cancer type);

　　Shihe Gene (NGS whole gene test: tissue 422 gene +TMB+MSI+PD-L1, you can choose one consumption, free test for life);

　　Idea Di (NGS whole gene test: tissue 417 gene+TMB+MSI+PD-L1, blood 189 gene +TMB+MSI+HLA-A; single cancer type: breast cancer and gynecological tumors BRCA1/2, colorectal cancer 17 genes, all hereditary tumors 44 genes);

　　United States

　　 Kerris (NGS whole gene test: tissue 592 gene +TMB+MSI+PD-L1, blood cannot be mailed to the United States, using multi-platform testing methods, interactive confirmation, to ensure more accurate results: immunohistochemistry, color rendering in situ hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, pyrophosphate sequencing, etc. 9 kindsDetection technology)

　Foundation Medicine (NGS whole gene test: tissue 315 gene +TMB+MSI+PD-L1)

Unfortunate cancer patients must not skimp on your genetic testing opportunities. This is the only way to achieve accurate cancer treatment. If you have any questions about genetic testing, you can log in to the Global Network of oncology doctors at any time, or you can join the anti-cancer exchange group!

Why do cancer patients need genetic testing? What are the benefits?

Cancer is a general term for a large group of diseases, the common denominator of which is uncontrolled cell proliferation. Under normal circumstances, the cells in our body will grow, differentiate, and die, but cancer cells only grow and differentiate, not die. The immortality of this cell leads to uncontrolled control, and the body cannot bear it and dies. Cancer is becoming more and more common, and its diagnostic technology is constantly improving, so that many people in the human bodyThe cancer was discovered early.

The basic status quo of cancer treatment is four-fold: surgery ( surgery and interventional medicine), chemotherapy (cytotoxic + targeted drugs + hormonal drugs), radiotherapy (X-ray radiotherapy : gamma knife, Thom knife, radiation wave knife and proton heavy ion radiotherapy ) and immunotherapy (immune examinationPoint inhibitors + cellular immunity + vaccines).

Surgery can remove early small tumors, which can be regarded as a ”radical cure.” However, even if the cancer patients are cured, some will still relapse. Moreover, many tumors can only be partially removed, and there is no guarantee that they will not relapse. Therefore, for many patients after surgery, radiotherapy can be used to consolidate treatment and completely remove residual tumors after surgery, but radiotherapy can only illuminate local tumors, which is not effective for spreading tumors or multiple metastatic tumors. In addition, there is only chemotherapy left, and it is often recommended to use drugs for treatment for a period of time or for life. For those patients who are inoperable, in addition to radiotherapy , chemotherapy or immunotherapy can only be considered.

Clinicians have found in tumor treatment that human tumors vary widely. Even if they are tumors in the same part, the treatment effect and method should vary from person to person. This kind of treatment method for different diseases adopted by people and diseases is called “individualized treatment.” Therefore, in the process of cancer treatment, only when the same disease is treated differently, it varies from person to person, and individualized treatment can be implemented, so that different types of patients can choose the right drugs for them.

Different patients and different tumors have different sensitivities to various chemotherapy drugs and immune targeted drugs. Many patients have used very expensive chemotherapy drugs or targeted drugs in accordance with past experience or diagnosis and treatment guidelines, but the tumors have not been effectively controlled. There are many such situations, and it is really “losing a wife and losing a soldier.” So, in addition to choosing drugs based on experience, is there any way to prejudge the suitable drugs for each patient, or for each tumor?

With the continuous deepening of research at the molecular level of genes, more and more tumor cell signaling pathways have been discovered. A large number of clinical studies have shown that the amplification/mutation/expression status of specific genes in the pathway is closely related to the effectiveness of targeted chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, clinically detecting the amplification/mutation/expression of specific genes in these pathways can “tailor” a set of the most suitable treatment plan for each patient, thereby maximizing the efficiency of treatment, reducing the toxic side effects of drugs, and avoiding improper medication. Delay the timing of treatment.

Genetic testing is to maximize the correctness of each patient’s drug choice. Before choosing a drug, test the patient’s genes to see if there are reported drug target genes in the patient’s body. If there is a target gene, then the possibility of patients being sensitive to drugs will be greatly increased.

For example, liver cancer is not very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy , and it is very difficult to choose chemotherapy drugs and immune targeted drugs. Some patients passed genetic tests and found that they were sensitive to an anti -lung cancer drug. Immediately, this anti -lung cancer drug was purchased and used , and the ideal therapeutic effect was obtained. Some liver cancer patients with liver cancer were found to be insensitive to the only liver cancer treatment drug (solafinib) recommended by the guidelines after testing, but sensitive to other drugs. The patient chose other anti-cancer drugs in time, eliminating the tens of thousands of treatment costs of trying solafinib. Of course, genetic testing is not a panacea, but it can still greatly improve the efficiency of medication for many patients.

In addition, another advantage of genetic testing is that it can detect whether there is a mutation in a genetic gene, which will sound a wake-up call to the immediate family. For example, it is well known that the mother of Hollywood star Angelina Julie died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56 . “Genetic tests have shown that I carry a genetic defective gene-BRCA1 in my body. This gene will greatly increase my risk of breast and ovarian cancer . The doctor estimates that I have an 87% and 50% chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer ,” Hollywood star Angelina Zhu said.Li said. So, in May 2013, she decided to have a bilateral mastectomy; two years later, Julie underwent ovarian and fallopian tube surgery again to reduce the risk of future cancer to 5%. This ”faulty” gene-BRCA1, and it will greatly increase my risk of breast and ovarian cancer . Therefore, for patients with breast and ovarian cancer , genetic testing is more needed, not only to find a targeted drug that suits them, but also for the nearest relatives!

Using genes as clues, find out the driving genes of tumorigenesis and development, that is, the key genes, and conduct translational research, that is, laboratory research and clinical research, so that patients can get the right drug treatment at the right time, so as to achieve the best therapeutic effect, the smallest toxic side effects, and the highest quality of life. Therefore, the first step in precision treatment is precise cancer genetic testing!

At present, there are more than 3,000 domestic genetic testing institutions, with a group of excellent large companies, but there are also a large number of small institutions, and even a small laboratory can do cancer genetic testing for patients. For the same patient, the test results and analysis results of different genetic testing companies are different. Missing a mutant gene, missing a life-saving drug, and missing a cutting-edge clinical trial means losing the opportunity for treatment!

Both the United States and China are among the most advanced countries in cancer research and treatment in the world. They are forerunners in precision therapy and cancer gene research, and have the world’s top core detection and analysis technologies. At present, both the United States and China have a group of top cancer gene research institutions, the world’s most authoritative cancer gene testing and analysis company, gathered the world’s best scientists, committed to the forerunner of gene sequencing.

Choose authoritative genetic testing experts as much as possible. Different levels of genetic testing are very different from testing equipment, data analysis, expert teams, clinical matching, etc. A high-quality whole genome sequencing can benefit patients throughout the tumor treatment process! So try to choose a full genetic test to fully understand the mutation situation! If financial ability permits, try to choose a full genetic test to facilitate doctors to fully understand genetic information! The pathological specimens of general cancer patients are very limited, and the detection of only a few targets for tissues of the same size wastes valuable resources. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic mutations of cancer patients will provide molecular evidence for the entire treatment process in the future. When new targets and targeted drugs appear in the future, it is necessary to re-acquire the patient’s tumor tissue for genetic testing, which is very difficult for many patients.

Benefits at the end of the article: Xiaobian will briefly introduce you to several domestic and foreign authoritative genetic testing companies for your reference.

China

Generics (NGS whole gene test: tissue 509 gene+TMB+MSI+PD-L1, blood 179 gene+TMB+MSI; single cancer type);

Shihe Gene (NGS whole gene test: tissue 422 gene +TMB+MSI+PD-L1, you can choose one consumption, free test for life);

Idea Di (NGS whole gene test: tissue 417 gene+TMB+MSI+PD-L1, blood 189 gene +TMB+MSI+HLA-A; single cancer type: breast cancer and gynecological tumors BRCA1/2, colorectal cancer 17 genes, all hereditary tumors 44 genes);

United States

Kerris (NGS whole gene test: tissue 592 gene +TMB+MSI+PD-L1, blood cannot be mailed to the United States, using multi-platform testing methods, interactive confirmation, to ensure more accurate results: immunohistochemistry, color rendering in situ hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, pyrophosphate sequencing, etc. 9 kindsDetection technology)

Foundation Medicine: (NGS whole Gene test: Tissue 315 gene +TMB+MSI+PD-L1)

Unfortunate cancer patients must not skimp on your genetic testing opportunities. This is the only way to achieve accurate cancer treatment. If you have any questions about genetic testing, you can log in to the Global Network of oncology doctors at any time, or you can join the anti-cancer group!