Is Your DNA the Key to Beating Cancer? Exploring the Role of Genetic Testing in Cancer Care

By-Dr Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh, Consultant - Medical Oncology, HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Centre, Ranchi

Despite remarkable advancements in medicine, cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, with each patient responding differently to therapy. While lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to its development, our DNA holds crucial insights about cancer risk, progression, and treatment effectiveness.

Advances in genetic testing are now revolutionizing cancer care, helping to predict risk, tailor treatments, and even prevent cancer before it starts. But how exactly does genetic testing work, and can it truly be the key to beating cancer?

What Is Genetic Testing in Cancer Care?

Genetic testing analyzes a person’s DNA to identify mutations or inherited traits that may increase cancer risk. These tests can be performed on:

• Germline DNA– The genes inherited from parents, which can indicate a hereditary risk for cancer.
• Tumor DNA– Genetic changes in cancer cells that help determine treatment options.

By identifying specific mutations, doctors can take a more personalized approach to prevention, early detection, and treatment, improving patient outcomes.

How Can Genetic Testing Help in Cancer Treatment?

Identifying High-Risk Individuals

• Some people carry genetic mutations that predispose them to cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancer or MLH1 and MSH2 for colorectal cancer. Knowing this allows for early screenings and preventive measures.

Personalized Treatment Plans

• Genetic testing helps doctors choose targeted therapies that are more effective for a patient’s specific cancer type. For example, HER2-positive breast cancer responds to targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), while lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations may benefit from specific inhibitors.

Predicting Treatment Response

• Certain genetic markers can indicate whether a patient will respond well to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation, helping to avoid ineffective treatments and reduce side effects.

Guiding Family Health Decisions

• If a person carries a hereditary cancer mutation, family members can also be tested, allowing them to take proactive health measures such as increased screenings or lifestyle changes.

Types of Genetic Tests in Cancer Care

There are different types of genetic tests, depending on their purpose:

• Predictive Genetic Testing– Identifies inherited gene mutations that increase cancer risk before any symptoms appear.
• Diagnostic Genetic Testing– Helps confirm a cancer diagnosis by identifying specific mutations in tumor cells.
• Pharmacogenomic Testing– Determines how a patient’s genes affect their response to medications, ensuring the most effective treatment is chosen.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing isn’t necessary for everyone, but it may be recommended if:

• You have a strong family history of cancer(such as multiple relatives with the same type of cancer).
• You were diagnosed with cancer at a young age(such as breast or colorectal cancer before 50).
• You have an unusual or rare cancer(like male breast cancer or multiple types of cancer).
• Your ancestry is linked to higher genetic risk(e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish descent has a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations).

The Future of Genetic Testing in Cancer Care

With advancements in genomic medicine, genetic testing is expected to become even more precise, accessible, and impactful. Researchers are exploring gene-editing technologies like CRISPR to correct faulty genes, and ongoing studies continue to expand our understanding of how genetic mutations drive cancer progression.

Final Thoughts: Is DNA the Key to Beating Cancer?

While genetic testing isn’t a cure for cancer, it is one of the most powerful tools available for early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment. By unlocking the secrets within our DNA, we move closer to a future where cancer is not just treatable, but preventable. If you have concerns about hereditary cancer risk, consulting a genetic counselor could be the first step toward a proactive and personalized approach to your health.