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Dx Dialogues: Genetic Testing for Cancer

Beyond the guidelines: emerging frontiers in oncogenomics

New evidence and technologies pushing the boundaries of precision oncology

Beyond the guidelines: emerging frontiers in oncogenomics

Written by Stephanie Neary, PhD, MPA, PA-C. Medically reviewed
in July 2025.

While current guidelines provide a strong foundation for when and how to use genetic testing, clinical practice is increasingly shaped by innovations beyond those frameworks.1 Broad genomic profiling using high-content panels has demonstrated feasibility in decentralized settings, as shown in a multi-center implementation study that achieved a 93% sequencing success rate across 12 hospitals.2 Actionable variants were detected in 81% of patients, demonstrating the advantages of extended panels compared to limited ones.2

Despite promising findings, consistent implementation remains challenging. Variation in clinical interpretation, turnaround time, and access to expert input, such as molecular tumor boards, can lead to missed opportunities for matched therapy.2

Artificial intelligence is also beginning to reshape how clinicians approach molecular data.3 AI-supported platforms are being used to accelerate biomarker discovery, predict therapeutic response, and enable individualized treatment planning.3 These tools are also extending into radiomics and pathology, suggesting a future in which multi-modal data integration enhances early detection and treatment personalization.4

To ensure these advances translate into meaningful clinical gains, oncology providers must remain engaged in evidence review, data interpretation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Take our genetic testing for cancer quiz to see how your knowledge compares to your peers.

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[1] Daly MB, Pal T, Maxwell KN, et al. NCCN GuidelinesĀ® Insights: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic, Version 2.2024: Featured Updates to the NCCN Guidelines. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2023;21(10):1000-1010. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2023.0051

[2] Volders PJ, Aftimos P, Dedeurwaerdere F, et al. A nationwide comprehensive genomic profiling and molecular tumor board platform for patients with advanced cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol. 2025;9(1):66. Published 2025 Mar 10. doi:10.1038/s41698-025-00858-0

[3] Tiwari A, Mishra S, Kuo TR. Current AI technologies in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Mol Cancer. 2025;24(1):159. Published 2025 Jun 2. doi:10.1186/s12943-025-02369-9

[4] Isaiah Z. Yao, Min Dong, William YK. Hwang. Deep Learning Applications in Clinical Cancer Detection: A Review of Implementation Challenges and Solutions. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Digital Health. 2025;100253. ISSN 2949-7612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcpdig.2025.100253.

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