Which specialist performs genomic tumour profiling?

The pathologist examines tumour tissue or another approved tumour sample and selects suitable material for molecular testing. The laboratory looks for genetic changes in the tumour that may help classify it or identify treatment options. The report is interpreted alongside the biopsy result, scans, medical history and other laboratory findings.

A pathologist may not be the person who discusses every treatment choice with you. Your medical oncologist or another cancer specialist uses the report during the wider care discussion, while the pathology team remains responsible for the laboratory interpretation.

Ask whether tissue from an earlier biopsy can be used, whether a new sample is needed, and when the report is expected. Bring details of previous biopsies, treatments and family cancer history to your oncology appointment. Ask which findings are actionable and which are uncertain, because not every detected change leads to a treatment recommendation.

Contact your oncology team if you are unsure whether testing has been ordered, if a biopsy sample is being sent to another laboratory, or if a treatment decision is waiting on the result. Seek urgent medical care for severe breathing difficulty, sudden confusion, heavy bleeding or rapidly worsening symptoms; genomic profiling itself does not replace assessment of new symptoms.

Which sample will be tested? What kind of changes can this test detect? Could the result affect my current treatment plan? Who will explain the report, and what happens if the sample is insufficient?