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Frequently Asked Questions

genomic testing cooperative

FAQs for PHYSICIAN

Answers to frequently asked questions by physicians

FAQs for PATIENTS

Answers to frequently asked questions by patients

FAQs for PHYSICIANS

Order the Hematology Profile Plus.  Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is molecularly heterogenous and highly difficult to differentiate a diagnosis using DNA testing alone. This test includes DNA and RNA sequencing and provides complete evaluation and classification of DLBCL.  It will help distinguish ABC from GCB, determine double hit lymphoma, Rule out Burkitt as well as angioimmunoblastic lymphoma, and provide future monitoring of minimal residual disease and relapse.

Order the Hematology Profile Plus. This assay is designed to confirm diagnosis of Ph-ALL and Ph-like ALL and distinguish them from other types of ALL.  It can be used for diagnosis as well as for monitoring.  Ph-Like ALL is detected in 20% to 25% of adult ALL and in 15% of pediatric ALL.  Diagnosis of Ph+ -ALL and Ph-like ALL is very important because TKI therapy can be helpful in most of these patients. This assay can determine most of the mutations, translocations and expression of genes (CRLF2) associated with PH+ ALL and Ph-like ALL.

Order the GTC Solid Tumor Profile. This test detects tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) and provides complete exonic mutations in 434 genes including (EGFR, KRAS, TP53, BRAF, STK11, PIC3CA etc). However, if you would like information on translocations and expression of ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK1-3 etc. you will need to order the GTC Solid Tumor Profile Plus.  MET exon 14 splicing, PD-L1, FGFR1-4 and HER2 mRNA expression level results are also provided with the Solid Tumor Profile Plus. 

We recommend ordering the GTC Hematology Profile for patients suspected of having MPN.  We do not offer JAK2 alone, because the presence or absence of additional mutations, especially ASXL1 or SF3B1, has significant impact on diagnosis, clinical course and outcome.  Furthermore, NGS is the best way for quantifying the JAK2 mutation and determining heterozygous from homozygous, which is very important for prognosis.  The potential of having CALR or MPL is very high and justifies testing for all genes upfront. 

We recommend ordering the GTC Solid Tumor Profile Plus. GTC offers comprehensive PIK3CA mutation analysis and copy number variation testing of 40+ different genes.  Abnormalities in PIK3CA have been reported in approximately 30% of patients with breast cancer and PIK3CA gene amplification has been reported in 10% of breast cancers.  In addition tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) testing results are also reported with this profile.

FAQ's for PATIENTS

Thank you for taking the time to read this page.

We understand right now you’re likely reading this because you have cancer or you know someone who does and are seeking answers.

We’ll do our best to give you the basics and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.

Right now, we know more than ever about cancer and are rapidly learning more every day. We’d like to share with you about a recent innovation in diagnostic testing called molecular testing that provides a deeper insight into your tumor’s genomic signature. While it may not be able to help all patients, it will help a small percentage of people live longer by prescribing a therapy that is designed to target a genetic defect the test could discover.

Even if the testing doesn’t lead to a treatment, getting testing performed adds to the knowledge base of cancer for future patients and could lead to an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial.

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Cost is always an important question. Our tests are covered by Medicare, and many commercial health insurance plans are now covering molecular testing. A patient’s financial responsibility differs depending on insurance coverage type and it may be determined that the patient has a balance (co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance) based on the benefit design of the policy.

Genomic Testing Cooperative will bill your insurance company directly on your behalf and work with them to process your claim and any appeals necessary. We anticipate that less than 5% of patients will receive a bill from Genomic Testing Cooperative and the average out-of-pocket costs is less than $300. We understand the financial burden of cancer care can be overwhelming and have created a payment plan program that provides financial flexibility and assistance.

Please contact our Patient Support Services at 866-484-8870 to discuss your options.

While most labs take 14-28 days or more even for partial results, GTC routinely provides results to physicians in 5-10 days for tumor profiling. Some critical partial results can even be returned quicker. Comprehensive results for testing that includes RNA can take up to 10 days.

The first thing to know is the results are limited to the characteristics of what is being tested. Some testing is more comprehensive, and others are more targeted based on information we may already know about the patient.

Molecular tests look for alterations in a cancer’s DNA–and in some cases RNA–that are driving the disease’s growth and spread. Testing can reveal one cause or several causes that may offer insight into how the tumor will continue to behave. The goal of testing is to offer diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information about which therapy is most likely to help. Every cancer is unique and requires a treatment plan you and your physician should discuss.

Both solid tumors and hematologic (blood-based) malignancies have molecular tests available. All major types of cancer have molecular testing that can be performed on them, but the sample requirements will differ. In the case of a solid tumor some form of a biopsy or a blood sample is required. For hematologic malignancies a bone marrow sample is most common, but a blood sample may be adequate.

Your oncologist or primary treating physician.

We offer some of the fastest, most cost effective, and comprehensive testing available. Learn more