Intermountain Precision Genomics Lab Now Certified For Maryland Cancer Patients
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA, November 14, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Intermountain Precision Genomics announced today that their genomics core laboratory, located in southwest Utah, is now certified to accept tissue samples from cancer patients in Maryland. On the forefront of personized medicine, Intermountain Precision Genomics for Cancer is a service of Intermountain Healthcare. The ICG100 ™ test offers genetic sequencing of solid tumors. This in-depth sequencing identifies cancer-causing mutations that may occur in a person’s DNA.
“We are extending the life and quality of life for late-stage cancer patients throughout the nation and now in Maryland,” said Jason Gillman, the program’s director. “Our test identifies more actionable mutations than any other competing test, because we focus on the known cancer-causing genes. We detect mutations at 99% and our accuracy of identifying false positives or negatives is 100%.”
One of the unique services the company provides is results reviewed by a board of renowned physicians and scientists. This molecular tumor board discusses the information discovered through sequencing and offers drug recommendations. Precision Genomics may also assist with drug procurement when requested.
“Typically the medications prescribed are oral,” said Gillman. “These targeted drugs are often well tolerated – much more so than infusion drugs or chemotherapy. Patients feel better and research shows they are not going to the emergency room as frequently.”
Medications targeted at DNA alterations, rather than site-specific cancer treatments, have been shown to be successful in many cases. For example, a patient from St. George, Utah, Duane Monette, received the diagnosis of metastatic cancer of an “unknown primary origin.” Monette’s physician ordered the ICG100™ test. Through sequencing the DNA in his tumor, scientists discovered a FGFR3 alteration. His physician started him on an oral medication used for bladder or kidney cancer (even though his scans were clear at the time). Months later, a mass discovered on his kidney prompted removal of one of his kidneys. In this case, surgery was curative. Proponents of precision medicine believe that treating cancer like a “chronic disease,” likely stopped the cancer from continuing to spread throughout his body.
“What this genomic testing allows,” said Gillman, “is for patients to live on their own terms with improved quality of life, to be active, and to remain the person that they want to be for significantly longer than projected with traditional treatment.”
Currently, the CLIA and CAP certified genomics lab and ICG100™ test averages less than a 14-day turnaround time from the time the sample is received in the laboratory. For more information about ICG100™ testing for late stage cancer or incorporating precision medicine into an oncology practice please visit: precisioncancer.org, join the dialog on Facebook (Intermountain Precision Genomics) or follow @precisioncancer on Twitter. Any physician can order The ICG100™ test.
Intermountain Healthcare is a Utah-based, not-for-profit system of 22 hospitals, 185 clinics, a Medical Group with about 1,500 employed physicians and advanced practitioners, a health plans group called SelectHealth, and other health services. With a mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible®, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information about Intermountain, visit intermountainhealthcare.org, read our blogs at intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs, connect with us on Twitter at twitter.com/intermountain and on Facebook at facebook.com/intermountain.
“We are extending the life and quality of life for late-stage cancer patients throughout the nation and now in Maryland,” said Jason Gillman, the program’s director. “Our test identifies more actionable mutations than any other competing test, because we focus on the known cancer-causing genes. We detect mutations at 99% and our accuracy of identifying false positives or negatives is 100%.”
One of the unique services the company provides is results reviewed by a board of renowned physicians and scientists. This molecular tumor board discusses the information discovered through sequencing and offers drug recommendations. Precision Genomics may also assist with drug procurement when requested.
“Typically the medications prescribed are oral,” said Gillman. “These targeted drugs are often well tolerated – much more so than infusion drugs or chemotherapy. Patients feel better and research shows they are not going to the emergency room as frequently.”
Medications targeted at DNA alterations, rather than site-specific cancer treatments, have been shown to be successful in many cases. For example, a patient from St. George, Utah, Duane Monette, received the diagnosis of metastatic cancer of an “unknown primary origin.” Monette’s physician ordered the ICG100™ test. Through sequencing the DNA in his tumor, scientists discovered a FGFR3 alteration. His physician started him on an oral medication used for bladder or kidney cancer (even though his scans were clear at the time). Months later, a mass discovered on his kidney prompted removal of one of his kidneys. In this case, surgery was curative. Proponents of precision medicine believe that treating cancer like a “chronic disease,” likely stopped the cancer from continuing to spread throughout his body.
“What this genomic testing allows,” said Gillman, “is for patients to live on their own terms with improved quality of life, to be active, and to remain the person that they want to be for significantly longer than projected with traditional treatment.”
Currently, the CLIA and CAP certified genomics lab and ICG100™ test averages less than a 14-day turnaround time from the time the sample is received in the laboratory. For more information about ICG100™ testing for late stage cancer or incorporating precision medicine into an oncology practice please visit: precisioncancer.org, join the dialog on Facebook (Intermountain Precision Genomics) or follow @precisioncancer on Twitter. Any physician can order The ICG100™ test.
Intermountain Healthcare is a Utah-based, not-for-profit system of 22 hospitals, 185 clinics, a Medical Group with about 1,500 employed physicians and advanced practitioners, a health plans group called SelectHealth, and other health services. With a mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible®, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information about Intermountain, visit intermountainhealthcare.org, read our blogs at intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs, connect with us on Twitter at twitter.com/intermountain and on Facebook at facebook.com/intermountain.
Daron Cowley
Intermountain Healthcare
801-442-2834
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