Genetic testing prior to the use of a targeted drug first requires the taking of a specimen, which is subsequently tested accordingly. Genetic testing is generally achieved through three methods: biochemical testing, chromosome analysis and DNA analysis.
Targeted drugs allow the drug or its carrier to pinpoint the location of the lesion and subsequently release the active ingredient for better treatment of cancer. Genetic testing is required before the use of targeted drugs, this is because of the targeted nature of the treatment, in order to avoid some of the wrong use of the drug. The specific genes that need to be tested depend on the type of tumor, and the genes that need to be tested are different for different types of tumors.
For genetic testing, the best specimen is histological specimen, i.e. tumor tissue, which is chosen as the specimen with the highest accuracy. Secondly, the specimen can be collected by circulating tumor cell DNA or liquid biopsy.
Patients with lung cancer and breast cancer can do genetic testing. Since the selection of targeted drugs requires comprehensive consideration of various factors, targeted drugs should not be used blindly, and genetic testing before using the drugs is a must.