Genomic Testing for Cancer: Improving Treatment and Diagnosis

The field of genomics is revolutionizing how people perceive cancer. Clinicians are using it to diagnose drug resistance in patients and give them precise oncology treatments. Additionally, the use of cancer genomes could facilitate early diagnosis and forecast treatment failures. In the end, utilizing genomics in cancer treatment will significantly enhance patient outcomes and increase the treatability of this lethal group of diseases.

A growing number of sophisticated and reliable genetic testing techniques have been developed as a result of the rapid advancement of genomic technologies. Thus, it is anticipated to drive the market growth. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the global genomic testing market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.54% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.

How can cancer genomics enhance diagnosis?
National screening initiatives, which mostly include physical exams and medical imaging, continue to play a significant role in the diagnosis of cancer. After a tumor is found, a biopsy is performed to assist with the diagnosis. The tissue is subjected to molecular testing for cancer-specific biomarkers, and the genetic data obtained is then utilized to select medicines and track the outcomes of treatment.

However, due to the position of the tumor, the biopsy technique is occasionally challenging and frequently uncomfortable for the patient. Additionally, some individuals still do not exhibit a sustained response or do not respond at all after being matched to a therapy. In essence, many cancer treatments are useless, and regrettably, this is frequently difficult to ascertain immediately away. As a result, significant research has been done to enhance the cancer diagnostic process using genomics and other molecular technologies.

How can cancer genomics improve available treatments?

• Personalized oncology

Targeted therapies that are tailored to the genetic causes of cancer have been created since the introduction of genomic sequencing. Precision oncology refers to the delivery of personalized cancer care based on the genetic and molecular characteristics of a particular patient's cancer.

When determining which medicine is best for a patient, the practice also takes into account their epigenome, proteome, lifestyle, microbiome, and food. At different stages of precision oncology, understanding cancer genetics is essential to successfully administering targeted therapies. This might come from patient management procedures as well as clinical trials.

• Rediscovering of drugs

Large-scale genetic profiling of tumors not only allows for the identification of potential therapeutic molecular variants linked to licensed anticancer medications. It also aids in the identification of variants that may be handled differently from those that are now available and more conventional. A trial with an adaptive design known as the Drug Rediscovery Protocol was started in 2016 to find signs of activity in cancer patients receiving treatment with medications that were not prescribed according to the drug's approved label.

The goal of the study was to gather and disseminate for the first time systematically the successes and failures of these non-traditional medicines. Treatment options can be challenging since tumors can contain numerous driver mutations and are quite complex.

Source: - Genomic Testing Market