Genetic tests can reduce the death rates and improve survival rates in patients. Dr Mark A. Socinski thinks that treatment can be made by targeting the DNA alterations.
The MET Exon 14 is a skip mutation in non-small cell lung cancer, it is an oncogene. He believes in the possibility of a cure by means of genomic testing. Genomic testing is much different from genetic testing. Genomic testing identifies the genetic markers associated with the disease characteristics. It involves finding out more about multiple genes rather than a single gene. He is currently involved in a FDA-approved genomic analysis on the different genetic markers associated with lung cancers.
This form of treatment is also utilised in breast cancer therapy. It gives the risk markers, the prognostic markers, the predictive markers and the responsive markers. This allows for more accurate data and better understanding of the overall genetic makeup of the human body. Risk markers tell us what genes are causing the disease. Prognostic markers assess the future course and outcome of the disease. Predictive markers are the treatment options based upon the genomic information provided. Responsive markers are deployed to determine whether the treatments have a positive effect or in other words the ones that work.
Nivea Vaz
Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara
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