Cancer gene testing
What is cancer gene testing?
A genetic cancer test called the "CANTECT Genetic Test" examines genes circulating in the blood and genetic abnormalities in blood mononuclear cells, making it possible to assess the risk of the presence of minute cancers that are difficult to detect through diagnostic imaging. This test increases the possibility of early cancer detection. It also allows for preventative management in cases where the patient does not have cancer, and for management to prevent recurrence in cases where cancer has been treated.
What are oncogenes?
These are genes involved in "carcinogenesis," including genes that promote cell proliferation and genes that suppress cell proliferation. It is believed that cancer develops when these genes are gradually destroyed by mutation or methylation.
"Cancer gene testing" can assess the risk of cancer cells by examining abnormalities in cancer genes in normal cells.
Cancer-related genes by site
Major cancer genes targeted for testing in each organ in the human body
Inspection procedure
Differences between cancer gene testing and other tests
Differences from general cancer screening
Current cancer screening is performed using imaging tests. If an abnormality is found during an imaging test, cells from the abnormal area are collected and subjected to a pathological examination to diagnose cancer. Therefore, only cancers that have grown large enough to be seen by imaging tests can be detected.
However, cancer genetic testing has the potential to detect minute cancers that cannot be detected by imaging tests. If minute cancers can be detected early, it will be possible to fight cancer preventatively.
No prior dietary restrictions or medication are required.
Difference from tumor markers
Tumor markers are proteins derived from cancer tissue that are released into the blood, and high tumor marker values suggest cancer in the associated tissue. Testing for several tumor markers can screen for various cancers, but in many cases small cancers only produce tumor markers at levels that cannot be detected as abnormal, making them unsuitable for early cancer detection.
However, cancer gene testing detects genes (DNA and RNA) released into the blood from cancer cells, making it possible to evaluate the risk of the presence of minute cancers.
Differences from general genetic testing
Commonly performed genetic testing for cancer checks for cancer-specific genetic abnormalities.
In contrast, cancer genetic testing examines the genetic abnormalities that occur in stages leading up to the onset of cancer.
This test can therefore not only determine whether or not cancer is present, but also whether or not there is a risk of developing cancer.
