Cancer Treatment options (RNA & DNA)
Next generation sequencing for cancer is a medical test that helps doctors to read and understand the genetic makeup of cancer cells in the patient’s body. By analyzing the DNA of cancer cells, doctors can identify specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of cancer. This information can help doctors to tailor personalized treatment plans that target the specific genetic abnormalities of an individual’s tumor. It’s like doctors are detectives trying to figure out exactly what's causing the cancer to grow, so they can come up with the best plan to fight it.
In other words,
Next generation sequencing for cancer is like a special treasure hunt to help doctors find the bad guys (cancer) hiding in your body. Scientists use special machines to read the instructions in the cancer's genes really quickly and accurately. This helps the doctors know more about the cancer and how to help treat it.
Cancer Monitoring (Circulating Tumor cells)
Circulating tumor cell testing is a medical test used to find and track cancer cells in the blood. When a person has cancer, their body may release cancer cells into the bloodstream. This test looks for those cells and can help doctors monitor the cancer and decide on the best treatment plan. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the body. These cells can often spread to other parts of the body and cause various health problems.
In other words,
Circulating tumor cell testing is like playing hide and seek in your body to try and find some mean little cells called cancer cells. Cancer cells are not supposed to be there and can cause problems in our body. So, doctors use a special test to try and find them and help us feel better. It's kind of like when we look for a lost toy or pet, but instead of toys or pets, we're looking for bad cells.
Cancer surveillance via a blood test
Being diagnosed with cancer and going through intensive treatment is stressful. So, when treatment ends, family and friends are eager to celebrate. But many cancer survivors don’t feel like celebrating or don’t feel ready to move on with their lives. Fear of recurrence is the most common emotional difficulty that people tell us they have after they’ve completed cancer treatments. Access to MRI’s can be challenging and unpredictable in certain countries depending on the healthcare system set up for approved standard of care testing and reimbursements. The use of CTC is affordable and easily accessible and empowers patients to take control of the cancer journey.
The use of circulating tumor cell (CTC) testing to monitor cancer progression has several benefits:
1. Early Detection: CTC testing can detect cancer cells in the blood at a very early stage, often before a tumor grows large enough to be detected by imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs.
2. Personalized Treatment: CTC testing can identify specific mutations in cancer cells, allowing doctors to personalize treatment plans and select the most effective therapies for each patient.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: CTC testing can be done on a regular basis to monitor the progression of cancer and the effectiveness of treatment, helping doctors make adjustments if necessary.
4. Non-Invasive: CTC testing is a non-invasive procedure that requires a simple blood draw, making it more convenient and less stressful for patients than other monitoring techniques like biopsies.
5. Improved Quality of Life: Early detection and personalized treatment based on CTC testing can improve overall outcomes and quality of life for patients, helping them to live longer and healthier lives with cancer.