Why undergoing this examination?

Oncological treatment has advanced in recent decades, significantly increasing patient survival rates. This progress is achieved through the development of therapies targeted at the unique characteristics of tumors. Treating such pathologies is particularly delicate and relevant for patients with advanced-stage cancer. For these individuals, whose initial survival rates are low, prospects can improve significantly with specific targeted therapies. Over time, tumors may undergo genetic changes, resulting in new mutations as the disease evolves or in response to received treatment. In certain cases, this can lead to therapy resistance. Therefore, understanding and monitoring these mutations enable the use of drugs targeted to the specific tumor and its specific stage, enhancing the success rate of the treatment. 

What is the exam?

The Guardant360 test allows the identification of the presence of point mutations, rearrangements, insertions, and deletions (ins/del), as well as microsatellite instability in 74 genes from a single blood sample (liquid biopsy). The purpose of the exam is to provide greater accuracy in directing the clinical treatment of the patient by analyzing the unique genetic characteristics of the tumor. 

For whom is it indicated?

The test is recommended for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors in the following cases: 

• Disease progression with the current treatment; 
• Insufficient quantity of biopsied tissue, inadequate sample quality, or when the biopsy must be obtained from difficult-to-access tissue; 
• Biopsied tissue from ≥ 6 months ago; 
• One or more lines of therapy or intervention since the last biopsy; 
• Subgenotyped patient requiring a more comprehensive test; 
• Critical treatment decision needed within 2 weeks or less; 
• Patient prefers a non-invasive assessment of the genetic profile. 

Technology

Digital Sequencing