Molecular Gynecologic Cancer Testing, the Key to Precision Medical Care

Gynecologic cancer can occur in any female reproductive organs. The cancers that can occur include, Cervical, Uterine, Ovarian, and Vaginal cancers. Currently, diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancer is a complicated, layered and meticulous process with many details involved. Because of this, opportunities to treat or suppress the growth of the cancers to a certain degree are missed, resulting in lost chances for the patient to live a longer life than before.
 

What is Molecular Testing for Cancer?

Presently, we are aware that cancer occurs do to the unusual multiplication of cells in the body, which can occur in a multitude of different ways. With molecular testing, allows for the screening for any irregularities or mutations at the molecular level of genes. With this, we are able to effectively screen any irregularities that can potentially be a risk to cause cancer, provide diagnoses, and possible responses that the body may have to some medication. Doctors will have to examine the cancerous tissue that has been surgically removed from the patient and/or analyzing the patient’s blood sample before initiating any molecular testing.
 

What are the Benefits of Molecular Testing?

Molecular testing has many benefits in regards to treating gynecologic cancer which includes the following,

• Health Risk Screening can identify some mutated genes which possess the potential causes of some cancers. Examples include; the mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes which have been linked to ovarian cancer, or the mutation of Lynch Syndrome for those with history of treatment for their endometrium cause, and a family history of colon cancer.

• Precise Diagnoses help determine the cause of the cancer for each patient, based on how the cells have mutated.

• Medical Experts have discovered that the molecular biology of the genetic code and gene mutation can be used as a prognostication for many diseases.

• Choosing the appropriate method of treatment helps doctors determine the best course of action and suitable anti-mutagenic agents tailored to each individual patient. This includes, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy which specifically focuses on the molecular changes in cancer cells, immunotherapy which helps restore the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. These advancements have benefited precision medicine, a more accurate and treatment with minimal side effects.

• Monitoring treatment outcomes through molecular testing can be used to track the treatment’s effectiveness and evaluate the patient’s response to the medication. This is especially beneficial to patients with recurrent cancer and now resists the old medicine, allowing doctors to choose the new medicine.

 When should you use Molecular Testing for Cancer?

Patients who have been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer should come in for molecular testing, regardless of the stage that the disease is in. This allows doctors to create a personalized treatment plan of treatment with the most effective outcome. The Women’s Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital is made up of a team of doctors specializing in gynecologic cancer, medical genetics, and genomics directors. We have a genetic mutation laboratory certified by CAP Certified Laboratory, from The College of American Pathologists (CAP), internationally recognized standards for accuracy, reliability, and consistent quality in diagnostic and genetic mutation testing.