Genomics Lab Certified for California Patients

Salt Lake City – Intermountain Precision Genomics announced that their genomics core laboratory, located in southwest Utah, is now certified to accept tissue samples from cancer patients in California.

Intermountain Precision Genomics for Cancer is a service of Intermountain Healthcare, offering genetic sequencing of solid tumors. This in-depth sequencing identifies individual mutations within a person’s cancer cells to identify specific DNA targets for personalized drugs.

“We are extending the life and quality of life for stage four cancer patients throughout the nation,” 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 review 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.”

For example, Stephen Weber went from being a wheelchair-bound hospice patient &ndash to being able to walk, return to work, and see his daughter go on her first date. He lived another 16 months. “What this genetic 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 genomics lab and ICG100 test is averaging less than 17 days turnaround time, with most samples completing in less than 14 days from the time the sample is received in the laboratory. For more information about ICG100 testing for stage four 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.