The application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) is transforming oncology by providing detailed molecular insights that can inform treatment planning across tumor types. Unlike historical single-gene approaches, NGS-based tumor and germline profiling enables simultaneous analysis of multiple clinically relevant alterations.1
A recent synthesis of published outcomes found that NGS-informed cancer management is associated with significantly longer progression-free and overall survival in patients with advanced cancer, reinforcing the value of integrating molecular profiling into routine care.1 These findings were consistent across multiple tumor types and therapeutic strategies.
While the availability of broad testing panels increases the potential for identifying actionable mutations, clinical utility depends heavily on the underlying strength of gene-disease associations.2 Longitudinal analyses show that genes with well-established roles in cancer predisposition are more likely to yield diagnostically and therapeutically useful results.2 Conversely, inclusion of genes with limited supporting evidence can lead to higher rates of variants of uncertain significance (VUS), potentially complicating interpretation and care planning.2
AI-based tools are increasingly used to streamline interpretation, reduce uncertainty, and improve turnaround times in for testing.3 The integration of advanced informatics with sequencing has also enhanced the identification of pharmacogenomic variants, which can support safer use of both therapeutic and supportive agents.4 As molecular oncology advances, providers will need to balance comprehensive testing with evidence-based interpretation to ensure patients benefit from meaningful, precision-guided care.
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