Genomic Health

What is Genomics?

Genomics is the study of an organism’s entire genome. The genomics field includes efforts to determine and “map” the entire DNA sequence. Genomics studies the complex sets genes, how they are expressed and the role they play in biology. You probably have heard of the Human Genome Project that helped identify and sequence the full set of genes in the human body. The Project fell short of providing sufficient information to affect treatment planning. As the study of genomics advances, the application of the information is being used to enhance the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases.

What is the difference between genomics and genetics?

• Genetics focuses on specific gene sequences, mutations and variations to form a snapshot of individual potential for a given health condition
• Genomics takes into account a complex set of genes, identifying not only their sequence but how they are expressed and interact to affect how a condition develops
   

How is Genomics useful in cancer diagnosis and treatment?

Healthcare scientist, physicians and cancer professionals are looking for new effective methods to manage and treat cancer. Each individual’s cancer contains many different alterations and patients may be more or less likely to develop advanced disease or to respond to certain therapies. Because cancer specialists have limited insight into these differences at initial diagnosis, and often choosing a treatment tailored to the individual patient is extremely difficult.

This is where genomics, the study of complex sets of genes, their expression, and their functions, is extremely valuable. New genomic services are being developed to provide clinically validated, individualized tumor profiles which may greatly improve the quality of treatment decisions for patients with cancer.

Why does Advanced Breast Care Specialists use Genomic Health?

Dr. Curcio works with the genomic experts with Genomic Health to help tailor treatment to individual patients with early-stage, node-negative (N-), estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Using Genomic Health’s Oncotype DX™, Dr. Curcio is able to determine which women will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy that meet the aforementioned criterion.

According to Dr. Curcio, " this is one of the most important advances over the past decade in individualizing the care of our breast cancer patients. It is no longer one size fits all""

The first diagnostic assay developed by Genomic Health — Oncotype DX® — is a breast cancer test that may assist treatment planning by quantifying the likelihood of distant breast cancer recurrence. Genomic Health’s initial diagnostic test, is already providing significant new insights for breast cancer treatment.

Ask Dr. Curcio how she uses genomics and Oncotype DX® in her practice.

Dr. Curcio is Genomic Health’s physician trainer and educates cancer specialist throughout the United States on practical applications and her experience with Oncotype DX®.

For more information. visit www.oncotypeDx.com. Some copy courtesy of Genomic Health
 

Contact Dr. Lisa Curcio to discuss your risk for breast cancer . Dr. Curcio is a breast cancer heredity risk specialist and she can advise you on your breast cancer risk.

Visit "Advanced Breast Care Specialists of Orange County"  in Mission Viejo, California.