Pharmacogenetics

Pharmacogenetics is an application of precision medicine that can be used to predict how an individual will respond to a drug based on his or her genetics. Every drug does not work for every patient, and some patients have adverse reactions to certain drugs. The use of pharmacogenetics allows clinicians to understand how a patient metabolizes drugs in order to prescribe the right medication at the right dose.

Hoag Pharmacogenetics Pilot Study

Pharmacogenetics is an emerging application within the field of Applied Genomic Technologies. Hoag Family Cancer Institute is bringing this new advancement to patients through a pilot study that incorporates pharmacogenetics into cancer treatment. Patients enrolled in the study provide a buccal swab, or saliva sample, to collect their DNA. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for genetic testing and analysis of the patient’s DNA in relation to pharmacologic compounds to understand how the patient metabolizes and responds to drugs. Doctors can then apply this information when selecting anti-cancer drugs so that the patient is prescribed a drug at the right dose that will produce the best response. The approach minimizes unwanted side effects and hospital visits due to adverse drug reactions.

Applied Genomics at Hoag

Hoag Family Cancer Institute continually works to provide the very best care for our patients. Hoag’s Center for Applied Genomic Technologies and its team of highly-regarded industry experts are a testament to that. No other hospital in Orange County provides this level of personalized cancer care.

Hoag’s Center for Applied Genomic Technologies team is here to support our oncology physicians and partners. If you are interested in access to this care, we encourage you to speak with your physician. If deemed appropriate, your oncologist, or referring physician, will work directly with Hoag's Applied Genomics team to review your case and discuss next steps.