Through the genetic characterization of diseases, technologies such as massive sequencing are proving crucial in the current fight against different types of cancer.
Molecular pathology focuses on the genetic characterization of diseases, allowing the identification of molecular alterations in tissues and cells. This makes it easier for medical professionals to tailor treatments to each patient’s genetic particularities; an advance that has been crucial in the fight against cancer. In fact, a high percentage of tumors may present a potentially curable genetic alteration.
In this way, molecular pathology is one of Grupo Analy’s areas of greatest innovation, which uses massive sequencing (NGS) technology to perform detailed analyzes that identify genetic alterations. It is indeed a powerful tool that allows the simultaneous study of multiple of these alterations, making it possible to identify, in a single step, targeted drugs, both already approved and in clinical development.
In the words of Javier Azúa, chief operating officer of Analyze’s pathological anatomy area: “this discipline, which is an emerging subspecialty of pathological anatomy, has revolutionized our ability to understand and treat complex diseases, especially in oncology. we are committed to integrating advanced technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, to provide accurate and personalized diagnoses. Our goal is to provide healthcare professionals with tools that enable them to make more informed treatment decisions, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.”
Precision oncology medicine
In the oncology field, molecular pathology has a basic impact. In cases of lung cancer, for example, it has shown many benefits. NGS allows the detection of common mutations such as EGFR, ALK and ROS1, as well as other less common genetic alterations that also represent therapeutic targets. Studies conducted by Grupo Ana demonstrated that, in 57% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), relevant genetic alterations were identified using NGS, surpassing customary methodologies.
These results have a direct impact on patients’ lives,as they allow treatments to be optimized,adapting them to the molecular characteristics of each tumor. Thanks to the identification of specific biomarkers it is indeed possible to apply targeted therapies with higher response rates and fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments. This methodology extends to other types of cancer such as breast, colon and melanoma, where biomarker analysis helps classify tumors and select the most appropriate treatment. With NGS and other molecular methods, complete genetic profiles are established, promoting precision medicine that adapts to the individual biology of each patient. Giulia Moreno
– How does next-generation sequencing improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer compared to traditional methods?
Interview: the Role of Molecular Pathology and Next-Generation Sequencing in Precision Oncology
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Javier Azúa, the Chief Operating Officer of Grupo Analy’s Pathological anatomy area. Thank you for joining us, Javier.
Javier Azúa: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss how molecular pathology and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are transforming oncology.
Editor: Let’s dive into that. Can you explain how molecular pathology contributes to cancer treatment?
Javier Azúa: Certainly. Molecular pathology focuses on the genetic characterization of diseases,which allows us to identify molecular alterations within tissues and cells. This is particularly crucial in oncology, as many tumors display potentially curable genetic changes. By understanding these alterations, healthcare professionals can tailor treatments to each patient’s unique genetic makeup.
Editor: That sounds revolutionary.How does next-generation sequencing fit into this process?
Javier Azúa: NGS is a notable advancement in our field. It enables detailed analyses to identify multiple genetic alterations together. This capability is vital as it allows us to find targeted therapies that could be effective for a patient’s specific genetic profile, including both approved and experimental drugs.
Editor: You mentioned that a high percentage of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) identify relevant genetic alterations using NGS.Can you tell us more about this?
Javier Azúa: Yes, studies from Grupo Analy have shown that we can identify relevant genetic alterations in 57% of patients with NSCLC using NGS.This surpasses traditional methodologies and emphasizes the utility of NGS in optimizing cancer treatments. By identifying specific mutations, such as EGFR, ALK, and ROS1, we can provide more effective targeted therapies.
Editor: How does this impact patients on a practical level?
Javier Azúa: The impact is ample. By tailoring treatments to the molecular characteristics of each tumor, we can achieve higher response rates and reduce side effects compared to conventional treatments. This personalized approach not only improves outcomes but can also enhance the overall quality of life for patients battling cancer.
Editor: Are there any other types of cancer where molecular pathology is making a significant difference?
Javier Azúa: Absolutely. Molecular pathology and NGS methodologies extend to various cancers, including breast, colon, and melanoma. In these cases, biomarker analysis is essential for classifying tumors and selecting the most appropriate treatment plans for each patient.
Editor: What advice would you give to healthcare professionals looking to integrate these advancements into their practices?
Javier Azúa: I recommend that healthcare professionals stay informed about the latest developments in molecular pathology and NGS technology. They should collaborate with pathologists and geneticists to understand how to interpret genetic profiling effectively. Investing in training and resources to utilize these technologies can greatly enhance their ability to provide personalized and precise care to patients.
Editor: Javier, thank you for sharing these insights about the critical role of molecular pathology and next-generation sequencing in precision oncology. It’s clear that these advancements are paving the way for improved cancer treatment.
Javier Azúa: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these vital topics, and I hope this data encourages healthcare professionals to embrace these transformative technologies in their practice.
Editor: We look forward to seeing how molecular pathology continues to evolve and improve patient outcomes. Thank you for your time today.
This interview highlights the advancements in molecular pathology and NGS, focusing on their importance in personalized cancer treatment. By optimizing patient care through genetic characterization, these technologies are reshaping the landscape of oncology for the better.
