Dong Chen, M.D., Ph.D., and Sounak Gupta, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., recently joined “Becker’s Healthcare Podcast” for its “Decoding Cancer Care: The Role of Molecular Testing” episode to explain molecular testing and its role in personalized cancer care. They explored how advanced laboratory testing is revolutionizing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Chen started the conversation by explaining the core concept of molecular testing, which involves analyzing a patient’s DNA or RNA from cells, often cancer cells, to detect gene alterations. According to Dr. Chen, molecular testing has four primary purposes: accurate diagnosis, prognosis insight, personalized treatment, and therapy monitoring.

“Molecular testing plays a crucial role in personalizing cancer care,” Dr. Chen explained. “By identifying specific gene alterations, we can provide patients with more precise diagnoses, tailor treatments to their unique genetic profiles, and monitor therapy effectiveness in real time. This approach helps ensure that we are delivering the most effective treatment for each individual, minimizing side effects and improving overall outcomes.”

Dr. Gupta delved deeper into the importance of selecting the right molecular tests at the right time, especially for complex cancer cases. With decades of research providing a vast knowledge base, physicians now understand more about how tumors respond to different treatments. Dr. Gupta discussed that by leveraging molecular testing, physicians can offer more personalized and precise treatments, ensuring that patients receive therapies most likely to work for their specific cancer type.

“One of the challenges we face is selecting the right test at the right time, particularly in complex cases,” Dr. Gupta added. “For example, with lung cancer, a liquid biopsy can help us detect specific mutations, such as in the EGFR gene, which allows us to offer targeted therapies instead of traditional chemotherapy. This shift towards personalized treatment is improving both patient quality of life and the success rate of therapies.”

Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed an innovative solution to the challenges that physicians often face when selecting laboratory tests: the Mayo Clinic Test Selection Guide. This online tool helps physicians and care providers select the most appropriate next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests for their patients by categorizing tests based on disease states and genes, making it easier for physicians to navigate the complex test landscape.

Both Dr. Chen and Dr. Gupta explained the importance of the guide, as it helps physicians accurately identify the right tests without having to research the plethora of options available on the market. While the guide empowers physicians, the ultimate goal is to empower patients by helping physicians make more informed and timely decisions.

Listen to the episode online.