Genetic testing can analyze the genetic mutation of tumor cells by extracting the patient's genetic information, including whether there are certain specific oncogenes, drug metabolism-related genes, etc. This information is crucial for the diagnosis, prognosis assessment and formulation of treatment plans for tumors.
Genetic testing can analyze the genetic mutation of tumor cells by extracting the patient's genetic information, including whether there are certain specific oncogenes, drug metabolism-related genes, etc. This information is crucial for the diagnosis, prognosis assessment and formulation of treatment plans for tumors.
Cancer gene testing is reliable, especially in regular genetic testing companies, which are qualified genetic testing companies. At present, genetic testing for cancer is being carried out because the onset of tumors, especially malignant tumors, is closely related to gene mutation or gene deletion. Malignant tumors are genetic diseases. If the pathogenic gene is found, a breakthrough can be achieved through targeted treatment of the pathogenic gene. At present, in non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, acute leukemia, lymphoma and other malignant tumors, there are corresponding gene mutations and targeted drugs for mutations. The use of targeted drugs significantly improves the patient's PFS time and total survival time compared with the original treatment methods. Therefore, genetic testing is a prerequisite for tumor treatment. Genetic testing must be done before using targeted drugs, and corresponding targeted drugs can be used only when there are corresponding targets.
Genetic testing may not be recommended in the following situations:
- When the patient's disease is still in the stage of precancerous lesions, it is generally sufficient to undergo surgical resection and receive standardized follow-up and reexamination, and no other treatment is required for the time being. The value of genetic testing at this time is not great, so it is not recommended, such as: lung carcinoma in situ, colorectal adenoma, etc.
- The patient's disease course is already in the terminal stage of cancer, and even the doctor has issued a critical illness notice, and tumor genetic testing will take several days to test. At this time, even if the genetic test is sent for testing and there is a good drug available, it is likely that there is no way to save the patient. After all, it takes a certain amount of time for the drug to be effective, and the patient may not even be alive before the report comes out, so genetic testing is not recommended in this case.
- When the patient's cancer has not exhausted the high-priority treatment strategies recommended by the tumor diagnosis and treatment guidelines, and the patient's physical condition can still bear it, the guidelines can be strictly followed to give priority to the recommended treatment plan with a better level. At this time, there is no need to rush to receive genetic testing to seek other treatment plans such as precision targeted therapy.
If the patient's physical condition is no longer able to withstand the standard treatment recommended by the guidelines, or the patient's economic conditions are indeed relatively good, they can also receive genetic testing while following the tumor diagnosis and treatment guidelines to seek more comprehensive and complete treatment decision-making basis in a timely manner.
For example, for patients with liver cancer, among the first, second, and third-line standard drug treatment regimens recommended by the guidelines, priority is given to anti-angiogenic drugs such as lenvatinib, sorafenib, and dorafenib, as well as immunotherapy and chemotherapy. When the patient's physical condition can still withstand it, the medication recommended by the guidelines can be used, and there is no need to rush to receive genetic testing to find other treatment opportunities.
- For some difficult or rare cancers, the chances of receiving targeted treatment are low. For example, for small cell lung cancer, the chances of receiving targeted treatment are very low. Currently, only a few cases have been reported in which small cell lung cancer has been screened for ALK gene fusion mutations and other related targeted drugs. In such cases, if the patient's financial situation is not ideal and the patient and family members do not have a strong desire for treatment, it is not recommended that the patient undergo genetic testing. After all, genetic testing is not cheap. At this time, it is indeed equivalent to spending a lot of money gambling on a very small chance of treatment. Whether to gamble or not, clinicians should fully respect the wishes of patients and their families.