What happens after genomic tumour profiling?

The report may identify genetic changes in tumour cells, indicate a feature that could guide treatment, or find no actionable change. A tumour change is not automatically an inherited change passed through a family. The team considers the cancer type, stage, previous treatment, general health and the strength of the laboratory finding. A possible match for a medicine does not guarantee that the medicine will be suitable or effective, and some findings have no established treatment.

Bring the report to your oncology appointment and ask which findings matter for your care. Your team may recommend continuing the current plan, changing treatment, seeking another specialist opinion or considering a clinical trial where appropriate. If a targeted medicine is discussed, ask how it is given, what monitoring is needed, which side effects require a call, and whether the result needs confirmation. Do not stop or delay current treatment while waiting for a profile discussion unless your oncology team tells you to do so.

Call your oncology team if you develop new or worsening symptoms during treatment, have a reaction after an infusion or medicine, or are unsure whether a symptom is related to the treatment. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding or sudden severe pain. The profile itself does not require emergency action, but treatment-related symptoms can.

Ask which alteration was found, whether it is actionable for your cancer, whether it could be inherited, and what alternatives exist. Clarify the purpose and expected monitoring of any targeted therapy, how long the result remains relevant, and whether a new biopsy or test is needed.