CGX Testing (Hereditary Cancer Screening)
Problem: In 2018, there will be an estimated 1,735,350 new cancer cases diagnosed and 609,640 cancer deaths in the United States alone. (cancer.org)
Unfortunately, we ALL know people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and/or have passed away from cancer. For many, cancer seems a random and unavoidable nightmare.
In addition, general cancer screening isn’t promoted or taken advantage of nearly enough. Unfortunately, the physicians who do encourage their patients to participate in Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Testing are often utilizing clinical laboratories that test for a minimal number of gene-markers, which often miss the mark, and don’t provide patients with enough relevant clinical data to make an adequate determination.
Solution:
CGX Testing
Preventive Health Services laboratory partner’s employ CGX panels which test for an industry leading 134-gene markers, which allow the provider and patient to understand if they are predisposed to acquiring cancer. Patients who qualify for the test include:
1st degree relatives with a history of cancer:
- Parents
- Siblings
- Children
2nd degree relatives with a history of cancer:
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Aunts / Uncles
- Nephews / Nieces
- Half-Siblings
Fortunately, many insurance providers cover this test if the patient has 1st or 2nd degree relatives with a history of cancer. Many insurance providers deeming the test a medical necessity. Taking the CGX test allows the patient to be proactive and learn as early as possible what changes need to be made if they are more pre-disposed to acquiring cancer. Taking advantage of this revolutionary test can save millions of lives. Providers who encourage patients to take the CGX test are providing a true difference for countless families.
Problem:
In 2016, there were approximately 4.45 billion prescriptions issued all over the United States. While many of these medications are useful and often live saving, there are many cases of:
- Adverse reactions to medications resulting in hospital visits (overdosing).
- Adverse reactions to medications resulting in death.
- Medication doses altered due to ineffectiveness of the medication.
Researchers estimate that commonly prescribed medications may not work in up to 60 percent of patients.
The problem: healthcare providers simply don’t have the relevant data based on their patient’s genetic metabolic pathways to accurately determine:
- Their rate of metabolism for a given medication
- The most effective medication and dosage
Reaction:
Solution:
PGX testing can show how a patient’s body is likely to metabolize many common medications. This allows healthcare providers to act on the results to prescribe medications with less risk of side effects, including overdosing or ineffectiveness. Not all people respond to the standard dose. Genetic testing helps the provider to select the right drug and best dose for the patient.
Patients are either: Poor, intermediate, normal, or rapid metabolizers of medications.
PGX Testing (Pharmacogenomics)
Types of Genetic Testing Panels
- CARDIAC
- GENERAL
- PAIN
- PSYCH
Each panel looks for gene variations that affect how the body’s enzymes work.
Preventive Health Services laboratory panels look for gene variations that affect one family of enzymes. This family is called the *P450 enzymes.” These enzymes break down up to 80 percent of all medications.
Additional Benefits
- PGX testing allows patients to avoid adverse drug reactions, maximize drug efficacy and prescribe with more confidence.
- Fast turnaround – All samples are quickly processed, and results reported, normally within three working days of receipt.
- Clear, understandable reports – PGX Genotype Panels results are clearly presented with the patient’s needs in mind.
- Peer-to-peer support – If you have questions or need more detailed information on test results, MD support specialists are available for consultation.