More and more, the leading edge of modern cancer care is about targeted and individualized therapies treatments that are designed around the unique characteristics of each cancer patient and his or her cancer. Put simply, different people respond differently to certain treatments, and the same goes for their cancer.

At the START Center for Cancer Care, we are the first cancer-treatment provider in South Texas to offer comprehensive genetic testing of tumors, which is the key to providing state-of-the-art, individualized treatment. Through this genetic testing, our board certified and highly trained cancer specialists are able to look for specific genetic markers that are associated with existing data about the appropriateness and effectiveness of the various treatments.

Through research and genetic profiling of tumor tissue from prior patients, weare now able to see that one anti-cancer drug is likely to work better (or worse)for you than another. For instance, a particular genetic marker is associated with better results with anti-cancer Drug A, while anti-cancer Drug B has shown much lower effectiveness.

In this way, we are able to skip treatments that are likely to have a lower chance of benefiting you. Also, knowing that cancer treatment is itself challenging and burdensome, looking for and finding these genetic markers can spare you many weeks of treatment and side effects with a therapy that isnt going to work. Instead, genetic testing helps us go straight to treatments that have a higher probability of working for you or your loved one.

At START, we provide comprehensive genetic testing of patients tumors. Genetic tumor testing is an invaluable resource in cancer care because of its ability to direct cancer doctors in the informed, science-based selection of targeted therapies, whether for conventional therapies or investigational drugs via clinical trials. With the help of a leading East Texas pathology reference laboratory, we are proud to help our patients as part of our commitment to both world-class care and a new era in cancer treatment.

For more information about genetic testing and how it can improve the efficacy of your individual cancer treatment or to schedule an appointment call the START Center at 210-745-6841. Also, feel free to request an appointment using our easy online form.

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Genetic Testing in San Antonio, Texas | Start Center for ...

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