New Certifications for Precision Genomics Lab

Salt Lake City – Intermountain Precision Genomics announced in August that their genomics core laboratory, located in southwest Utah, is now certified to accept tissue samples from cancer patients in Rhode Island and New Jersey. This means the lab is now certified in all states except New York and Pennsylvania.

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.

“The groundbreaking scientific work that takes place behind the scenes in our laboratory is 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 provided 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.

“These targeted drugs are often well tolerated – much more so than infusion drugs (or chemotherapy),” said Gillman. “Typically the medications prescribed are oral. Patients feel better and research shows they are not going to the emergency room as frequently.”

For example, one patient, Stephen Weber went from being a wheelchair-bound hospice patient – to being able to walk, return to work, and see his daughter through her first teen heartbreak experience. His daughter, Jennifer Weber explains, “He was able to see me through my first break up and helped me with that. It really did mean a lot to me.” Weber lived another 16 months after the sequencing his tumor revealed a mutation in which a targeted therapy was identified.

“What this genetic testing allows,” Gillman added, “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.”

Most samples at the genomic lab complete 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.