Among all the diseases we face, cancer is one of the most feared. Simply put, cancer is the abnormal functioning of cells caused by mutations in one or more groups of genes, forming a rapidly and unlimitedly growing malignant tumor. In other words, cancer is essentially a genetic disease: genes that normally play important physiological roles in healthy cells are abnormally activated under certain conditions—such as viral infection, chemical carcinogens or radiation—and transformed into oncogenes, inducing the cell to become cancerous.
Since it is a genetic disease, can we use certain means to monitor the mutated genes, modify them, and thereby cure cancer?
From this idea, genetic testing was born!
Genetic testing is the process of testing the gene map of a tumor to determine exactly which mutations have occurred.
With the deepening of molecular-level genetic research, more and more tumor cell signaling pathways have been discovered. Numerous clinical studies show that the amplification, mutation or expression status of specific genes within these pathways is closely related to the efficacy of targeted and chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, clinically testing the status of these specific genes can tailor the most suitable treatment plan for each patient, thereby maximizing the effective rate of treatment, reducing drug toxicity and side effects, and avoiding the missed opportunity caused by improper medication.
Currently, the overall effective rate of chemotherapy is 30%–40%, but by using genetic testing to select benefiting patients, the effective rate can be raised to 80%. Molecular testing has brought earth-shaking changes to cancer treatment, and cancer therapy has entered a new era of personalized treatment.
What is the significance of genetic testing for cancer patients?
First, let us understand what genetic testing is. It is essentially testing a patient’s blood, tissue, cells and so on to obtain genetic information, and thereby clarify whether disease exists in the body. Genetic testing can accurately identify the factors related to cancer, helping not only to prevent cancer but also to quickly locate cancer cells.
Genetic testing can detect early-stage cancer. As we all know, some early-stage cancers are very hard to detect, which is why many patients are already at an advanced stage when first diagnosed—because the cancer was not found early. Some cancer cells hide well and are difficult to detect even by imaging. Genetic testing can screen whether the patient carries tumor-causing genes, and can also predict the probability of developing cancer.
Genetic testing assists treatment. Chemotherapy is a common treatment; although effective, it does not only kill bad cells—some healthy cells are killed too. Targeted therapy is more advanced: it acts specifically on cancer cells, killing some while sparing normal cells. But this treatment requires genetic testing: it helps the doctor determine the molecular type of the patient’s cancer cells, and only with detailed information can the right medicine be used.
Genetic testing can assess treatment efficacy. What patients care about most is, after a given treatment, how well it works. During treatment, genetic testing can show how effective the approach is; if poor, it can be adjusted in time to choose the most suitable option and thereby improve the cure rate.
From this we can see that genetic testing is of great significance to cancer patients, so do not regard it as an optional exam—it plays a valuable role in both preventing and treating cancer. Therefore, when a doctor recommends genetic testing, patients should cooperate actively. Of course, some may wonder: if genetic testing is so effective, should all patients get tested?
Although genetic testing is good, most people do not need it. However, certain special groups are advised to undergo it. If a family member developed cancer at a very young age, or multiple family members successively developed the same cancer, or family members carry hereditary mutations, genetic testing is recommended. Some may think that since genetic testing can predict cancer risk, getting tested is a better way to prevent cancer. Testing is advisable when there is a need, but when there is no need, there is no point wasting money. The main thing is to choose reasonably according to your own situation, and not blindly follow the crowd.
Besides reasonable examination and treatment, cancer patients should also take good care of their bodies, maintain an optimistic mindset, and keep good routines and eating habits, which help the treatment of the disease.