Breakthrough Genomic (DNA) tests can solve the puzzle of your prostate cancer as well as identifying targeted treatments which may result in reduced side effects:
GENOMIC DIAGNOSTICS: Prostate Cancer is caused by a wide range of genetic mutations that may present in many combinations. Genomic testing can be used to analyse the DNA of your tumour and may identify the genetic mutations that are unique to your cancer.
Identifying the mutations in a patient’s cancer helps determine personalised treatments. Depending on the type of testing done, a comprehensive genomic analysis may provide information on potential therapeutics, development of resistance to treatments, prognosis, disease tracking, and may provide access to clinical trials and new treatments.
Question:
Why do we recommend Genomic Testing?
Answer:
Every patient deserves an accurate diagnosis!
Fact: MD Anderson Cancer Centre USA
Patients undertaking therapy as a result of genomic testing are shown to have higher response rates to treatment and longer progression-free survival rates. MD Anderson Cancer Centre USA
The Personalized Medicine Coalition USA states:
“Bound by the constructs of traditional care delivery models, many of today’s doctors still prescribe therapies based on population averages. As a result, health care systems around the world continue to deliver inefficient care that fails to help significant portions of the patient population.
Enter personalized medicine. Personalized medicine, also called precision or individualized medicine, is an evolving field in which physicians use diagnostic tests to identify specific biological markers, often genetic, that help determine which medical treatments and procedures will work best for each patient.
By combining this information with an individual’s medical records, circumstances, and values, personalized medicine allows doctors and patients to develop targeted treatment and prevention plans.
Documented in The Personalised Medicine Report.
Current standard of care protocols rely on the assumption that patients with cancer of the same tissue type (and name) have the same underlying disease. This is why up to 75% of patients fail first line treatments.
Nantehealth (USA) puts it this way – “Oncologists use all the information available to make the best decisions for their patients. And yet, response rates for most cancer therapies remain low, with only 25% of cancer patients benefiting from the offered drug.
What if you could know more about each patient’s tumor? Could you drive up that 25%, and give your patients better outcomes?
Improve your outcome with Genomics: The Future is Now
*No more guesswork about treatment decisions
*Improved Targeted Treatments
*Fewer side effects
*Improved Survivorship & Life Quality
LIFESTYLE GENE TESTING CAN:
*Indicate best exercise for your genetic type.
*Identify optimal nutrition plans.
Genomics - Your Cancer Solution is in Your Hands
OTHER BENEFITS OF GENOMIC TESTING:
*Indicate patient’s ability to metabolise cancer treatments, including anti-hormone treatments.
*Determine suitability or resistance to chemotherapy.
*Determine suitability for Radiation Therapy (Radiation Sensitivity Assay)
*Determine tolerance, suitability to drug-based immune therapies. (Tumour Mutational Load)
*Determine tolerance, suitability to medicines, anaesthetics
*Monitor success of treatments or check for recurrence.
In recent years our patient outcomes have improved greatly due to these new genomic, pharmacogenomic & DNA tests. These formidable new tests lay the foundation for precision medicine, (personalised or targeted medicine) and form the basis for our 5-point survivorship care plan.
Our Navigated patients are referred to a NATA certified lab for genomic diagnostic tests that can identify the DNA drivers of your cancer.
Introduction to Genomics – What’s a Genome?
Genome is a fancy word for all your DNA. From potatoes to puppies, all living organisms have their own genome. Each genome contains the information needed to build and maintain that organism throughout its life.
Your genome is the operating manual containing all the instructions that helped you develop from a single cell into the person you are today. It guides your growth, helps your organs to do their jobs, and repairs itself when it becomes damaged. And it’s unique to you. The more you know about your genome and how it works, the more you’ll understand your own health and make informed health decisions.
How does my genome work?
An instruction manual isn’t worth much until someone reads it. The same goes for your genome. The letters of your genome combine in different ways to spell out specific instructions.
Does my genome determine everything about me?
Not entirely. Genomes are complicated, and while a small number of your traits are mainly controlled by one gene, most traits are influenced by multiple genes. On top of that, lifestyle and environmental factors play a critical role in your development and health. The day-to-day and long-term choices you make, such as what you eat, if you smoke, how active you are, and if you get enough sleep, all affect your health. DNA is not your destiny. The way you live influences how your genome works.
What are the benefits for my health?
One way genomics research can benefit you is through the emerging field of precision medicine. Specifically, characteristics of your genome can help predict how you will react to certain medications, (pharmacogenomics) allowing your healthcare provider to choose the appropriate prevention or treatment options for you.
“Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute”
Prostate Cancer Navigation – Ahoy! You don’t have to go it alone Mate.
You can benefit by having an expert prostate cancer navigator by your side – a cancer pioneer who has guided 1000s of patients like you through the complex cancer maze.
Did you know your tumour DNA data can be identified and mapped? DNA testing can make a significant difference to your survivorship and forms the basis of a scientific qualified second opinion.
Why you need a prostate cancer navigator: With your diagnosis, imagine you are now the captain of your own Cancer Survivor-Ship. You are sailing in uncharted waters – as a first timer! That is why you can benefit greatly from the guidance of a cancer navigator with 46 years’ experience. Like thousands of patients before you, she can help you prepare your survivor-ship for the journey by arranging DNA testing, a qualified second opinion, as well as a personalised suite of minimally invasive treatment options for you to consider.
The Grace Gawler Institute offers various levels of prostate cancer navigation services.
We suggest beginning with a video consultation with Grace to ascertain your needs.