Ben Harmssen

FDA Finalizes Next Generation Sequencing Genetic Tests to Accelerate Reliable Development

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FDA finalizes guidances to accelerate the development of reliable, beneficial next generation sequencing-based tests

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 12th finalized two guidances to drive the efficient development of a novel technology that scans a person’s DNA to diagnose genetic diseases, which are usually hereditary, and guide medical treatments. The guidances provide recommendations for designing, developing, and validating tests that use the technology, called next generation sequencing (NGS), and will play an important role in the continued advancement of individualized, genetic-based medicine.

Next Generation Sequencing Genetic Tests Read more →

Ben Harmssen

FoundationOne CDx Comprehensive Genomic Profiling for Solid Tumors Now Commercially Available

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Foundation Medicine Announces Commercial Availability of FoundationOne CDx, the First FDA-Approved Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Assay for All Solid Tumors Incorporating Multiple Companion Diagnostics.

Genetic Counselor Ordering Companion Diagnostic Test

Foundation Medicine, Inc. announced on March 30th, 2018 that FoundationOne CDx(TM), the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) assay for all solid tumors incorporating multiple companion diagnostics, is now available in the United States. Read more →

Ben Harmssen

Precision Medicine, Genetic Testing & Targeted Therapies are Expanding Oncology Treatment Opportunities

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This is an in depth review of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) panel on their State of Cancer in America annual report released January 31st, 2018. MyOncoPath is dedicated to providing cancer patients and oncology providers with genetic counseling for somatic and diagnostic genetic testing to expand access to precision medicine.

ASCO State of Cancer Care Logo

ASCO Precision Medicine Panel 1 Image Read more →

Ben Harmssen

FDA approves first treatment for breast cancer with a certain inherited genetic mutation

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of Lynparza (olaparib tablets) to include the treatment of patients with certain types of breast cancer that have spread (metastasized) and whose tumors have a specific inherited (germline) genetic mutation, making it the first drug in its class (PARP inhibitor) approved to treat breast cancer, and it is the first time any drug has been approved to treat certain patients with metastatic breast cancer who have a “BRCA” gene mutation. To find out if you or your patients carry the BRCA gene mutation and if they are eligible for Lynparza or other personalized treatment options contact MyOncoPath’s genetic counselors. Patients are selected for treatment with Lynparza based on an FDA-approved genetic test, called the BRACAnalysis CDx.

Breast Cancer Stats for BRCA Genetic Mutation & Mammograms

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Ben Harmssen

FDA announces approval, CMS proposes coverage of first breakthrough-designated test to detect extensive number of cancer biomarkers

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FDA Announces Approval of FoundationOne CDx, Foundation Medicine’s Cancer Gene Diagnostic Test for Solid Tumors FDA approves test to detect mutations in 324 genes, two genomic signatures. Second to be approved with proposed coverage under FDA/CMS Parallel Review Program. Agencies’ parallel review process makes test for efficient identification of multiple targeted therapy options available to […]

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Ben Harmssen

Benefits of Telemedicine in Genetic Counseling for Cancer Patients & Providers

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The Use of Telecommunications to Improve Access to Cancer Treatments For many telemedicine is new and possibly unknown. Although telemedicine has been around since the 1950’s, today telemedicine is growing exponentially with an overall net benefit. Here at MyOncoPath telemedicine is our business model: we were founded with the goal of providing patients and health […]

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Ben Harmssen

Liquid Biopsy: A Non-Invasive Genetic Test to Find Cancer DNA

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Liquid biopsy is a hot topic in oncology today, as it opens up possibility, access, and understanding into the world and makeup of cancer cells. For MyOncoPath, liquid blood biopsies are another genetic test to help understand individual cancers and move into precision medicine and away from the one-size fits all approach to treatment plans. […]

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Ben Harmssen

Genetic Tumor Profiling for Personalized Cancer Treatments

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Molecular profiling, also known as tumor profiling or cancer profiling, is genetic testing of cancer DNA to identify the specific genetic makeup of the cancer. All cells are made up of genes, which contain genetic codes. Every cancer cell has its own genetic code or profile. The molecular profile of the cancer reveals characteristics about […]

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