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Dx Dialogues: Genetic Testing for Cancer

Data in action: translating genomics into survival gains

The growing evidence base behind genetic testing and its impact on outcomes

Data in action: translating genomics into survival gains

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

New evidence supports the long-suspected link between molecular testing and improved outcomes. A recent review of more than 30 studies confirmed that patients with advanced cancer who received treatment guided by molecular findings experienced longer survival compared to those who did not.1 These benefits were documented across a range of cancer types and genomic alterations.

Broad implementation of genomic testing is also becoming more feasible, with national and international models showing how decentralized testing can yield consistent, actionable results. However, studies emphasize that testing alone is insufficient, real-world utility depends on interpreting findings through validated frameworks and connecting patients to appropriate therapies.2

Moreover, gene-disease association strength influences how results affect clinical management. Including genes with limited supporting data on panels may increase diagnostic noise and reduce clinical confidence.3 Transparency around gene validity, variant interpretation, and evidence thresholds is essential for maximizing the value of testing.

Artificial intelligence and digital tools now help manage complex data by identifying relevant pharmacogenomic variants and supporting treatment decisions with high-throughput informatics.4 These systems are cost-effective and scalable, offering new opportunities to improve both efficacy and safety.4,5 As genomic data increasingly inform patient care, oncology professionals must maintain fluency in the latest evidence and integrate new tools responsibly to ensure they translate into better clinical outcomes.

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

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[1] Gibbs SN, Peneva D, Cuyun Carter G, et al. Comprehensive Review on the Clinical Impact of Next-Generation Sequencing Tests for the Management of Advanced Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol. 2023;7:e2200715. doi:10.1200/PO.22.00715

[2] Koo H, Smith TB, Callaghan JT, et al. Return of Clinically Actionable Pharmacogenetic Results From Molecular Tumor Board DNA Sequencing Data: Workflow and Estimated Costs. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2025;117(4):1017-1020. doi:10.1002/cpt.3545

[3] Herrera-Mullar J, Horton C, Weaver A, et al. Understanding how gene-disease relationships can impact clinical utility: adaptations and challenges in hereditary cancer testing. Genome Med. 2025;17(1):73. Published 2025 Jul 1. doi:10.1186/s13073-025-01499-5

[4] 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

[5] 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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