Precision Medicine Program at OhioHealth
Pinpointing the best cancer treatment for you
Precision medicine identifies specific genetic and molecular changes in tumors, helping our oncologists choose safer, more effective therapies that target your specific cancer.
Get in touch with a cancer specialist who can answer your questions and connect you to our cancer physicians, programs and services. Contact OhioHealth CancerCall Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM at (800) 752-9119.
An innovative approach to care
Learn how genomic testing — also called molecular testing, and DNA or gene sequencing — analyzes tumor cells at different stages of cancer and cancer treatment.
Is genomic testing right for me?
Your doctor will consider your traits, treatment history, type and stage of cancer when determining whether genomic testing is right for you. Genomic testing is generally used for people with advanced, recurrent or rare cancers.
How does genomic testing work?
- Collection: A sample of your tumor, and in some cases a blood or saliva sample, are sent to a special laboratory for testing.
- Testing: The DNA of your tumor is analyzed to identify genetic mutations, variations or other markers. The results are sent in a report to your doctor.
- Review: Your doctor may submit the report to OhioHealth’s Molecular Tumor Board, a team of pharmacists, genetic counselors, research coordinators, pathologists and doctors with expertise in cancer and genomics.
- Recommendations: The tumor board reviews your results and makes treatment suggestions to your doctor.
- Treatment: Your doctor will consider these recommendations when developing your treatment plan, which may include precision medicine treatments like targeted therapy, immunotherapy or clinical trials.
- How is genomic testing for cancer different than testing for inherited conditions?
Most cancers are the result of genetic changes that happen over the course of a person’s life. These genetic changes are present in tumor cells, but not normal cells. Genomic testing finds defects in the genetic makeup of the tumor itself.
Genetic testing determines whether someone is at risk of developing cancer or an inherited condition, as well as the likelihood of passing those conditions onto their children. These mutations can be identified in people with or without cancer by looking at the DNA of normal cells in a blood or saliva sample. Learn more about genetic testing at OhioHealth.
- Will genomic testing change in my treatment plan?
Analyzing the DNA of a tumor with genomic testing can provide information about how and why your tumor is growing. Your doctor will use the results and your health history to come up with the best treatment plan for you.
- Does my insurance cover genomic testing costs?
Genomic testing costs and medical insurance coverage vary based on the type of test ordered and the lab performing the testing. It’s important to contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage. You may also be eligible for financial assistance through OhioHealth.