How Beacon Kalamazoo Uses Genomic Testing to Individualize Breast Cancer Treatment

A breast cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, but personalized therapy is helping transform breast cancer care from a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment designed around each individual patient.

The team at the Beacon Kalamazoo Cancer Center uses genomic testing to gather information about the tumor and get a better understanding of its biology. Dr. Iman Mohamed, a medical oncologist at the cancer center, says these tests use tumor genes to predict tumor behavior and the likelihood of benefits from various treatment options.

“Just like we have fingerprints that are individual to each person, the same is true for tumors,” Dr. Mohamed said. “This specific tumor description tells us whether the patient needs chemotherapy or whether they would benefit from oral anti-hormonal therapy, as 60 percent of breast cancers are driven by hormones.”

Learning as much as possible about a tumor allows the cancer center team to tailor treatment to each patient and deliver the least toxic treatment while achieving the best possible outcome.

To learn more about individualized breast cancer treatment at Beacon Kalamazoo, visit BeaconHealthSystem.org.