Chapter 2: How to Choose the Right Genomic Test for Your Cancer
Chapter 2: How to Choose the Right Genomic Test for Your Cancer
Genomic testing has become one of the most important tools in modern cancer care. It helps identify biomarkers—genetic changes in your tumor—that guide your doctor in choosing the most effective and personalized treatment for you.
But there’s one important truth that many patients are never told: Not all genomic tests are the same.
In fact, two tests with similar names from two different companies may give very different levels of information. Choosing the right test can feel confusing, especially when you are already dealing with the stress of a cancer diagnosis. This guide will help you understand the basics so you can choose the test that gives you the most complete and helpful information for your treatment plan.
Genomic Testing Is NOT Like Doing a CBC or Thyroid Test
Most routine blood tests—like CBC, thyroid, sugar, or cholesterol—are standardized. A CBC in Hospital A gives the same type of information as a CBC in Hospital B.
But genomic testing is different. Different labs may:
- Check different numbers of genes.
- Use different sequencing technologies (like full-gene NGS vs. hotspot testing).
- Focus only on specific cancers or give a broader picture.
- Miss important biomarkers that affect treatment options.
So if you're comparing tests from two companies, it is not an apple-to-apple comparison.
Simple Example to Understand This
Imagine you want to understand a book:
- A hotspot test reads only a few lines or paragraphs from the book.
- A full-gene test reads the entire chapter.
- A pan-cancer test reads many chapters, giving you a complete story.
Which one gives you more clarity? Obviously, the one that reads more of the book. Cancer is similar. If you only look at a few hotspots, you may miss important information needed to select the right treatment.
What Should You Check Before Choosing a Genomic Test?
Here are the 4 most important things to compare:
1. How many genes does the test cover?
Some tests look at:
- Only 10–20 genes (very limited).
- Hotspots from 50–100 genes.
- Pan-cancer tests like TARGT First look at 72 commonly mutated genes.
Key Takeaway: More genes = more chances of finding important biomarkers that guide treatment.
2. Is the test hotspot-only or full-gene?
Hotspot testing checks only small portions of the gene where mutations often occur. It can miss:
- Rare mutations.
- Mutations outside hotspot regions.
- Important therapy-response markers.
Full-gene sequencing (NGS) covers the entire gene, giving a complete picture. If a biomarker is missed, the patient may not receive a treatment that could help, need another test, or face unnecessary delays.
3. Is it a cancer-specific test or a pan-cancer test?
Cancer does not always behave exactly according to its site. A lung cancer tumor may have a mutation more common in colon cancer, and vice versa. Pan-cancer tests are designed to detect biomarkers across many cancer types, increasing the chances of finding clinically relevant information.
4. How actionable are the results?
The best genomic tests:
- Highlight FDA and NCCN-approved therapies.
- Suggest targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
- Provide insights for clinical trials.
- Support prognosis and treatment planning.
Why Tests Like TARGT First Offer an Advantage
TARGT First is designed to overcome the limitations of limited hotspot or cancer-specific tests. It offers:
- Pan-cancer coverage across 72 high-impact genes.
- Full-gene sequencing instead of hotspot-only testing.
- Comprehensive biomarker discovery for targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trial options.
For newly diagnosed patients, this means fewer retests, faster treatment decisions, less anxiety, and a more complete understanding of your cancer from the very beginning.
A Final Thought: You Deserve the Full Picture
When it comes to cancer, even a single missed mutation can change the treatment plan. You deserve a test that gives your doctor all the information needed to recommend the most effective therapy.
Choosing the right genomic test is not just a medical decision—it is an important step toward personalized, confident, and informed cancer care.