What Is Required for This Test?
How LBL’s Test Differs From Other Liquid Biopsies
LBL’s revolutionary liquid biopsy test measures the relative amount of a specific cancer-causing mutation that is being released by active tumor cells into the blood.
Inactive or dead tumors (i.e. those responding to treatment or in remission) do not release cancer-causing mutations via exosomes. Therefore, measuring inactive or dead tissue – like other liquid biopsies do – confounds results. This gives clinicians and you, the patient, less accurate information about how your treatment is working for you.
Liquid biopsy testing requires that we know which mutations are driving your cancer in the first place. (This information is gathered through genetic testing for cancer, which we will help you get if you haven’t already had it at this time. So, not to worry.)
Two Main Types of Genetic Testing for Cancer
At This Time, There are Two Types of Genetic Testing Most Commonly Used:
1. Tumor DNA Sequencing
This first type of genetic sequencing looks at genetic mutations found only in your tumor cells and is performed on a biopsy of your tumor.
2. Hereditary Germline Sequencing
The second type of testing involves looking at your normal blood or saliva to identify inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/2) that can cause cancer.
Note: Not all genetic testing requires tumor or germline DNA sequencing. Two commonly performed tests – IHC and FISH – can also identify a genetic marker that we can use for our Liquid Biopsies.
If you’re unsure, just ask us and we’ll make sure you get the information you need to get the most accurate treatment plan and the best chance of the best possible outcome - a long & cancer-free life.
What is Your Treatment Plan Based On?
While most modern cancer centres routinely test a patient’s tumors for at least one cancer-causing mutation, often these leading facilities still determine which test they use based on the location of the tumour they have identified as primary.
For example, if the tumor is in your breast, they’ll order a test looking for BRCA 1, which is a known inherited mutation for which there is a targeted therapy available. And, even if these facilities provide a broad panel test, they still rarely use this information to provide patients with a personalized treatment option. And, very often, no genetic testing for cancer is performed before a course of treatment is suggested.
Have You Already Had Genetic Testing?
In this day and age, there is simple too much medical science information indicating the importance of identifying your cancer-causing genetic mutations, for anyone to be treated without knowing what has caused their cancer.
There are so many targeted cancer treatments that are showing significant benefits to cancer patients (over those provided by standard care alone) that it’s just not necessary – let alone rational – to engage in cancer treatment without first getting detailed genetic testing done to find out what is causing your cancer.
If You Haven’t Had Genetic Testing for Cancer, Which Test Should You Get?
Even if you’re on your second or third round of treatment, or in full remission, there is still so much value in getting proper genetic testing. It’s never too late, and it always makes good sense, to add more accurate information to your treatment plan.
And with genetic testing, you can gain access to many targeted treatments that otherwise would never be offered to you. Genetic testing simply gives you more accuracy and more options with your cancer treatment.
To find out which test is going to be right for you, as well as have support with test coordination and beneficial treatment options, visit our Precision Oncology Specialist Team at Cancer Treatment Options and Management.
