Precision Medicine
What is tumor profiling?
Tumor profiling, also called molecular profiling, involves the testing of a person’s individual tumor to determine its genetic and molecular structure. The genetic and molecular structure of a tumor is unique to each patient. The information derived from tumor profiling – the specific information about the genetic and molecular structure of a person’s cancer – identifies specific biomarkers that can be targeted with specific treatments known to be more effective against these specific biomarker targets. Equally important, the information can prevent the use of treatments known to be ineffective.
Who is eligible for Tumor Profiling?
Tumor profiling may be helpful for a wide variety of solid tumors, and you may be a good candidate if you have an aggressive or advanced cancer, you have not been responsive to therapy, you have a rare cancer, you are facing limited treatment options or you and your doctor are exploring treatment options but the best treatment plan is not clear. Contact our office today to determine if you are a good candidate.
How tumor profiling is performed?
Tumor profiling is performed with the use of a tumor profiling service that tests tumors for specific genetic and molecular information. After a cancer diagnosis, we send a tumor sample obtained from biopsy to a laboratory for analysis. The tumor is examined to identify biomarkers and proteins that may be targeted by various available treatments. These biomarkers in a patient’s tumor are compared with the latest clinical literature to provide valuable information about therapies that may be more likely to produce a positive response.
Is tumor profiling covered by insurance?
Medicare and other insurance providers typically reimburse the cost for this service. The laboratory we use for tumor profiling will bill your insurance company. Contact our office to see if your plan covers tumor profiling.
Patient Education
Our physicians and nurses will spend a lot of time with each patient, especially at the beginning of a cancer diagnosis to explain each patient’s particular cancer, stage, treatment options. Many patients like to also look at other sites to educate themselves before and during cancer treatments. Here are some sites we recommend from trusted organizations that can help give more information on many topics. If there are questions after looking at any information, write down questions so you can go over it with your doctor at the next visit.
General Information
- American Cancer Society
- Cancer prevention – 10 basic facts
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- National Cancer Institute
- Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education
