Tumor Profiling
Every patient’s cancer is unique. Understanding the genetic abnormalities
or mutations in DNA sequencing of an individual patient’s tumor
is the key to unlocking the treatment that will be most effective. Through
Hoag’s Precision Medicine Program, patients have access to comprehensive
tumor profiling that can identify the changes in DNA, RNA, and protein
expression in their cancer in order to provide doctors with the full picture.
Armed with this information, Hoag’s oncologists can often select
treatments that specifically target these changes.
How does Tumor Profiling Work?
A sample of the tumor is obtained through a biopsy and sent to a laboratory
where it is tested for approximately 600 cancer-related genetic abnormalities
using a DNA sequencing machine. Bioinformaticians then perform extensive
analysis on large amounts of data gleaned from genomic analysis of the
tumor. A detailed report is developed and shared with the patient’s
physician team. The report could include information about relevant information
on DNA, RNA, and protein expression changes identified in the patient’s
tumor. This information could be used to select potential therapies that
will target the abnormalities driving the growth of the patient’s cancer.
Hoag’s Precision Medicine Program is committed to offer these advanced
technologies to patients and partners with leading scientific laboratories
that offer tumor profiling and germline testing.
Targeted Treatment
As researchers discover how genetic changes and mutations cause cancer,
researchers also see to develop new cancer drugs that target those specific
changes These are called targeted drugs, and offer the prospect of better
efficacy and less toxic side-effects. Many targeted drugs have been approved
by the FDA over the last several years. Other promising targeted therapies
are currently being tested in clinical trials at Hoag. In some cases,
drugs approved by the FDA for a one type of cancer may target a genetic
change observed in a different type of cancer and then can be applied
as a targeted treatment.
Hoag’s medical oncologists are on the forefront of the use of targeted
therapies in patient care. While many of these drugs are readily available,
some targeted drugs currently being tested in clinical trials may be available
to patients at Hoag through a special alliance with USC Norris Comprehensive
Cancer Center.
Through collaborations with commercial and academic testing labs for precision
medicine, Hoag has access to databases of thousands of tumor profiling
and targeted treatment results from leading cancer centers and major academic
research facilities, which can aid physician teams in selecting treatment
for cancers with rare or uncommon genetic mutations.
How to Access Personalized Therapies at Hoag
Hoag Family Cancer Institute continually works to provide the very best
care for our patients. Hoag's Precision Medicine Program 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.
The first step is to speak with your physician about this offering through
Hoag. Your oncologist, or referring physician, will work directly with
Hoag's Precision Medicine Program team to review your case and discuss
next steps.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute feels privileged to be your partner in beating
your cancer, together.