Treat cancer thanks to a simple blood test
The current diagnosis of cancer is very different from the past, mainly due to genomic mapping of the tumor.
Oncotest's "Gardent 360" liquid biopsy test allows doctors to get an accurate picture of the condition using a simple blood test, and to adjust the most accurate treatment within 7 days
In collaboration with Oncotest
12/07/2022
Tuesday, 12 July 2022, 09:51 Updated: 11:05
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Mapping the human genome marked a significant milestone in understanding diseases, including cancer (Photo: ShutterStock)
Until the beginning of the 21st century, cancer was classified according to the organ in the body where the tumor was diagnosed (lungs, breast, colon, etc.) and other aspects such as the size of the tumor, whether it penetrated blood vessels and lymph nodes and other measures.
Based on these data, patients with cancer in the same organ and having other similar characteristics received the same chemotherapy.
But in fact two people with "the same" cancer will respond differently to the same treatment.
This is because of the different genomic profile of each tumor.
Mapping the human genome marked a significant milestone in understanding diseases, including cancer.
With the identification of hundreds of genes associated with cancer development, researchers have realized that there is variation at the basic molecular level between and within tumors.
An understanding has developed that each tumor has its own genomic profile.
From the beginning of the 21st century, new generation technologies for next generation (Next Generation Sequencing -NGS) have been developed that make it possible to locate at the same time all the common genomic mutations in the particular tumor that caused the development of cancer.
Custom medicine
"Today the treatment is personal vision and custom medicine according to the genetic profile of the tumor," explains Dr. Natalie Maimon, a specialist in lung cancer and director of the lung tumor service at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba. "When a patient is diagnosed with advanced cancer
Targeted therapy may provide new and promising treatment options for patients with advanced cancer, but without a clear picture of the DNA profile
.
Tumor A - These treatments are not accessible.Traditionally, until recently, the way to characterize the genetic profile of a tumor was through an invasive biopsy taken from the tumor tissue, which entails medical risks and discomfort.
In recent years, it has become clear that there is another way to study the DNA profile of the cancerous tumor through a liquid biopsy (Photo: ShutterStock)
Completes the puzzle quickly
however in recent years it has become clear that there is another way to study the DNA profile of the cancerous tumor through a liquid biopsy.
These tiny amounts are revealed by Oncotest's Guardant 360 liquid biopsy test, which helps patients with different types of tumors find the treatment options that are customized for them.
The test is performed using a simple blood test, from which free-flowing DNA segments secreted into the bloodstream (circulating DNA) are produced, including cells from the tumor. 74 genes associated with cancer treatment are scanned to detect changes in DNA from the cancerous growth.
The test results are obtained within about 7 days from the date of taking the blood.
"In some cases the information obtained after surgery from the biopsy at the pathological institute is sparse and not enough for a full molecular clarification," explains Dr. Maimon.
In fact, by sampling the blood of two test tubes, we obtain a genetic test of dozens of genes. "
Studies have shown that this test has high reliability, with a 99.99% mutation detection ability and an 85% correlation between the gene sequencing results in the blood test and the same gene sequencing results. Using tumor tissue from invasive biopsy
saves unnecessary treatments
According to Dr. Maimon, the answer of the test, which is received within a few days, is sent to the attending physician and more than once it causes a change in the therapeutic approach, brings the patient to record speed and correct treatment, and saves unnecessary treatment. Stops responding, we often recommend doing the genomic clearance from a liquid biopsy to understand what causes treatment resistance.
This information is very important and helps us make significant decisions whether to switch treatment or try to make adjustments based on the findings. "
Dr. Maimon explains that the test is based on cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream, so it should be performed before starting treatment because it reduces cancer cells.
"The test may be less sensitive than taking a biopsy from the tumor itself, but it is not always possible. The liquid biopsy makes an important complement because it gives a complete picture of the heterogeneity of all metastases in the body, not just one section of the tumor."
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