Genetic testing for pancreatic cancer is an analysis and examination of gene fragments from tissue at the site of the lesion to determine the patient’s condition and subsequent treatment.
Genetic testing is a technique that tests DNA through blood, other body fluids, or cells. Genetic testing can diagnose disease and can also be used for disease risk prediction. Disease diagnosis is the use of genetic testing techniques to detect mutated genes that cause inherited diseases.
National guidelines state:
1. it is recommended that all diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients be tested for germline pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes; carriers of pathogenic or potentially pathogenic germline mutant genes should undergo genetic counseling at a specialized institution or screening at a high-traffic pancreatic center;
2. all pancreatic cancer patients should be tested for BRCA1/2, PALB2, MSI-H/dMMR, and TMB;
3. Priority should be given to the use of tumor tissues for genetics testing; if tumor tissue testing is not feasible, cell free DNA testing can be considered.
Genetic testing is of great value in evaluating the disease, prognosis and treatment decisions.
If pancreatic cancer is suspected or diagnosed, it is recommended to go to regular hospitals for comprehensive assessment of the condition, integrating multiple means of diagnosis and assessment of the disease, and cooperating with treatment in accordance with doctor’s instructions, so as to avoid delaying the condition.