Why determine the tissue of origin?

When tumor origins are known, patient outcomes and even survival¹ can improve. This is because oncologists have better information on which to base treatment strategies and can allow patients to benefit from today's advanced tumor-specific treatments.

It has been shown that metastatic tumors respond to tumor-specific therapies, which in some cases may even be curative.²  Even if not cured, some patients can experience other important benefits:

• More tolerable and effective treatment options
• Less necessity for repeated imaging tests (and less exposure to contrast agents)
• Less time spent in travel or in medical facilities for testing, examinations, or repeated biopsy procedures
• Less exposure to broad-spectrum chemotherapy regimens that may be more toxic and ineffective
• Less emotional and financial burden on patients and caregivers
• Opportunities for patients to enter appropriate clinical trials
• New information for family members in assessing their familial risk for cancer

Learn how tissue-specific therapies have helped to change cancer treatment.

References