4383 Medical Drive
Suite 4077
San Antonio, TX
78229
(210) 593-2514
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Comprehensive Tumor Genome Profile?
Comprehensive Tumor Genome Analysis uses a combination of molecular methods to scan the abnormal DNA for clinically relevant changes that can be used for prognoisis and treatment planning.
What is Personalized Medicine?
Personalized medicine is based on an understanding of the normal human genome as it was defined by the recently completed Human Genome Sequencing Project www.genomics.energy.gov. The gene-based knowledge and the biotechnology tools that were the result of this important project are becoming increasingly available to patients and their physicians through clinical laboratory DNA-based genomic testing. Physicians can now incorporate knowledge about the genome into diagnosis and treatment planning that is appropriate for each individual patient’s disease.
What is DNA-based genomic testing?
DNA-based genomic testing uses validated clinical laboratory techniques to scan individual genes and the human genome for disease-associated changes. DNA extracted from a patient’s blood, bone marrow, or tumor tissue can be analyzed using a chip with thousands of probes to scan the entire genome or with specific probes to look for single gene abnormalities.
When should DNA testing be used?
DNA-based genomic evaluation is most often used after a diagnosis of cancer has been made.
All human cancers are caused by changes to normal genomic DNA. These changes can be detected within single genes, as chromosome rearrangements, and as large chromosomal gains and losses of genetic material. Many of these recurrent changes have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications for cancer patients. By incorporating an understanding of each patient’s unique tumor genome into treatment planning the physician can personalize therapeutic decisions and prognostic information for each individual patient.
Where is the testing performed?
When a test is ordered through GenomeConsult, the blood, bone marrow, or tumor tissue sample is obtained from the patient during an office visit with their personal physician or at the time of biopsy or surgery. The patient sample is sent to Combimatrix Molecular Diagnostics (CMDX) www.cmdiagnostics.com a CAP/CLIA certified clinical laboratory in Irvine, CA where DNA-based genomic testing is performed. Test results are transmitted electronically to GenomeConsult for interpretation and the patient report is prepared and signed by a board certified clinical pathologist. Throughout the testing process, the patient and their physician will receive personalized consultation services from our staff including sample tracking and interpretation of results.
How are the test results reported?
Board certified pathologists, Shelly Gunn M.D., Ph.D. and Ryan Robetorye M.D., Ph.D. provide consultation and DNA-based test interpretation services to physicians and patients. Test results are available approximately one week after the tumor sample has been received by the laboratory, and color PDF copies of reports are available electronically to physicians through the secure MedTrust Online portal: http://www.medtrust-online.com
Who provides personalized medicine for GenomeConsult?
Board certified pathologists, Shelly Gunn M.D., Ph.D. and Ryan Robetorye M.D., Ph.D. provide consultation and DNA-based test interpretation services to physicians and patients.