The future of comprehensive cancer care

Steven Ansell, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Division of Hematology and senior deputy director, Midwest, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, joins the "Answers From the Lab" podcast for a discussion with host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., about declining cancer death rates. In this episode, Dr. Ansell and Dr. Pritt discuss advancements in cancer treatments that are leading to declining death rates, the role diagnostics plays in cancer treatment, and what the future may hold for cancer diagnostics.

As part of Mayo Clinic’s Neuro-Oncology practice, the Division of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics tests about 50 brain tumors a week, and upwards of 1,500 brain tumors a year from all over the world.

Offering increased sensitivity and improved accuracy, MayoComplete next-generation testing ensures health care providers understand the distinctive genetic features of their patients’ cancer to make informed decisions to guide their care.

Gang Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., and Aaron Mansfield, M.D., describe Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ liquid biopsy, which analyzes blood samples for genetic information to guide cancer treatment. The circulating tumor DNA assay uses next generation sequencing and complements the laboratory's cell-based cancer testing.

William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, joins "Answers From the Lab" for his weekly leadership update with host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., interim chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic. In this episode, Dr. Pritt and Dr. Morice discuss their new roles at Mayo Clinic and update listeners on the latest legislative news impacting the laboratory and diagnostic industries. They also highlight the launch of MayoComplete, Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ robust suite of oncology and hematology testing that uses next-generation sequencing to identify and evaluate presence of mutations.

Rondell Graham, M.B.B.S., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new assay for gastrointestinal stromal tumors, or GIST. The panel covers multiple mutations, to better inform diagnosis and treatment options.

In this month's "Hot Topic," Kevin Halling, M.D., Ph.D., discusses new next generation sequencing testing for various tumor types and the rationale for the enhancements that were made; reviews gene additions that are now available in each of the panels; and briefly speaks about the work that was done to validate cytology specimens for use in the subpanels.

In this test specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Ruifeng (Ray) Guo, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' comprehensive melanoma panel better informs prognosis and treatment.

Rondell Graham, M.B.B.S., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new colorectal cancer panel. The assay covers more genes to better inform decision-making about prognosis, targeted therapies and a hereditary cancer syndrome.

Ying-Chun Lo, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated lung panel can better guide clinical decision-making, particularly about targeted lung cancer therapies.

Katherine Geiersbach, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' PIK3CA assay informs breast cancer treatment. The assay identifies patients eligible for a certain second-line therapy when initial treatment has failed.

As a two-time brain tumor survivor, Alex Kraatz has been through more harrowing medical experiences in his 34 years than most people face in a lifetime. But Alex’s fighting spirit, coupled with precision laboratory testing and cutting-edge treatments, have propelled him forward, keeping him hopeful despite the odds.