Precision oncology, also known as personalized medicine, is revolutionizing cancer care by tailoring treatment to individual patients. This approach uses advanced genomic testing to analyze a patient’s cancer cells, providing physicians with crucial information to make precise diagnoses, accurate prognoses, and develop targeted treatment plans. Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Network (FCS) is leading the charge in bringing this cutting-edge technology to community oncology clinics across Florida.
Advanced genomic testing analyzes a patient’s unique cancer cells to inform personalized treatment strategies.
Dr. Lucio Gordan, a board-certified medical oncologist at FCS, has been instrumental in establishing in-house next-generation genomic sequencing (NGS) capabilities. This expansion allows FCS to offer clinical NGS for solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and lymph nodes, providing patients with faster access to personalized treatment options.
State-of-the-art pathology labs are essential for conducting accurate and timely genomic testing.
Benefits of In-House Genomic Testing
Bringing genomic testing in-house has significantly improved patient care at FCS in several key ways:
- Reduced Turnaround Time: Patients receive their results faster, minimizing the anxiety and stress associated with waiting.
- Targeted Treatment Plans: Physicians can quickly develop personalized treatment plans based on the specific genetic makeup of the patient’s tumor, including matching patients to FDA-approved targeted therapies and relevant clinical trials.
- Enhanced Data Collection: Comprehensive data collection throughout the patient’s cancer journey provides valuable insights into treatment effectiveness and informs future research.
Democratizing Access to Precision Oncology
Historically, access to genomic testing was primarily limited to patients treated in academic medical centers. However, with the majority of cancer patients receiving care in community oncology clinics, FCS aims to make NGS a routine part of community-based cancer care. This initiative involves substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and personnel, including partnerships with industry leaders like Illumina, the acquisition and validation of advanced equipment, and the recruitment of highly skilled molecular scientists and bioinformatics experts.
Overcoming Challenges in Genomic Profiling
Despite the significant progress made in implementing precision oncology, challenges remain. One of the primary obstacles is securing payor coverage for genomic testing. Dr. Gordan emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue to ensure equitable access for all patients. Other hurdles include coordinating patient access, integrating genomic data into health records, raising community awareness, and providing patient education.
The Future of Precision Oncology at FCS
FCS envisions a future where precision medicine is standard practice in all its community clinics. This will involve continued partnerships with industry leaders, expanding in-house laboratory capabilities, and strengthening data governance programs. By linking patient journeys with genomic data, FCS aims to gain deeper insights into cancer behavior, optimize clinical trial matching, and contribute to real-world studies.
Dr. Gordan believes that broader access to genomic testing will lead to improved patient outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and potentially reduced healthcare costs by enabling physicians to select the most effective therapies for each patient as quickly as possible. Ultimately, precision oncology offers hope, optimism, and the potential for more effective and personalized cancer care for all.
For personalized treatment plans, consult with a healthcare professional today.
