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In order to better understand a patient’s cancer and identify potential therapeutic targets, Cleveland Clinic now offers an advanced genomic testing platform as standard of care to patients with cancer.
This expanded capability to test tumor samples involves whole exome sequencing, which examines all the portions of DNA in the genes that are responsible for making proteins in the body, and RNA sequencing that assesses how these proteins are encoded. This combination provides a comprehensive snapshot of the defects that may drive cancer growth. Clinicians can connect patients with individualized treatment aimed at those defects in hopes of improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.
With the ability to sequence and analyze more genomic data, Cleveland Clinic is able to access and interpret tumor complexity. The new technology enables researchers to examine 22,000 genes in the human genome—the most extensive profiling available today. Previous testing was limited to the standard 600 or fewer known genes associated with cancer. Cleveland Clinic can access the whole transcriptome (RNA) and has an effective tool to look for gene fusions, which are a combination of two genes that, when combined, can cause or contribute to cancer.
“Industry-leading tumor profiling coupled with our precision oncology initiatives and developmental therapeutics programs give our patients greater access to the latest potentially lifesaving options,” said Timothy Chan, M.D., PhD., director of the Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology at Cleveland Clinic.
“This technology is a critical new tool for physicians to develop individualized treatment plans for patients based on their unique genomic profile,” Dr. Chan continued. “It’s also an opportunity for our patients to learn about their own disease while participating in precision oncology-driven clinical trials.”
Clinical trials underway at Cleveland Clinic are testing treatments that may impact the genetic alterations revealed by tumor genomic testing. These trials can make a difference for patients whose tumor testing reveals something for which there is a drug, or helps to inform the development of new targeted therapies.
“Implementing advanced oncology profiling for our patients means we can find unexpected, pertinent information about their cancer that allows us to personalize treatment,” said Brian Rubin, M.D., Ph.D., chairman, Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute at Cleveland Clinic.
“Access to genomic sequencing, comprehensive data information, medical oncology and pathology expertise allows us to offer a complete diagnostic and treatment plan,” Dr. Rubin continued. “The data turns cancer treatment into a ‘stealth bullet’ that enables us to contextualize genetic mutations to provide targeted therapies.”
This effort is a collaboration between Cleveland Clinic Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Oncology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Taussig Cancer Institute and Lerner Research Institute.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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