Dr. Gregory Shypula is seeing the benefit of using genomic profiling in his JFK University Medical Center hematology/oncology practice
Hackensack Meridian Health and Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC) in Irvine, California, have teamed up to establish Anthology Diagnostics, a first-of-its kind genomic profiling laboratory at JFK University Medical Center. The goal of the partnership is to generate more personalized, precise and real-time insights for patients who are facing a cancer diagnosis and the oncologists who are directing their treatment.
According to Gregory Shypula, M.D., a hematologist/oncologist at JFK University Medical Center who utilizes the Anthology Diagnostics next-generation sequencing services for patients with blood cancers and solid tumors, patients and oncologists are reaping the benefits of this approach.
“With more and more findings of driver mutations that cause cells to replicate and become cancerous, we have the opportunity to treat cancer using targeted therapies that attack the processes, enzymes and ligands that create malignant cells,” said Dr. Shypula. “With next-generation sequencing, we can receive multitudes of information about a patient’s cancer at a much lower cost than previously available testing methods, such as immunostaining and FISH [fluorescence in situ hybridization]. Next-generation sequencing is also more accurate than previously available testing methods.”
Physicians and hospitals interested in utilizing the services of the reference laboratory at Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center may contact 732-321-7240.
The Anthology Diagnostics lab specializes in DNA and RNA profiling, which can provide more information on cancer origin, biology and clinical behavior, as well as the response of the immune system of the patient to the cancer, than DNA testing alone.
As a result, patients with cancer can be matched with therapies that will inhibit the processes that are fueling cancer growth — even if multiple molecular pathways are involved.
“After identifying the drivers of cancer growth, the lab will provide information on targeted therapies that could be effective for each patient,” said Dr. Shypula. “Even if those therapies aren’t ultimately used in an individual patient’s treatment, it is helpful to for patients and clinicians to understand all the options.”
In addition to benefiting today’s patients who are undergoing cancer treatment, next-generation sequencing through the Anthology Diagnostics lab benefits future patients by collecting and analyzing data that supports leading-edge research.
“In the last 10 years, next-generation sequencing and other technologies have revolutionized the field of oncology,” said Dr. Shypula. “We are doing things we never thought we would be able to do — such as identifying the mechanism that is driving cancer growth and attacking it. As we learn more about different malignancies and their driver mechanisms, we can work to develop better treatments.”
And although today’s targeted therapies are considered to be the first generation of precision medicine cancer treatment, Dr. Shypula believes many exciting developments are on the horizon.
“As our understanding of various cancers increases and becomes more refined, we are developing new therapies — and new therapies that use different combinations of existing treatments — that are enhancing our ability to manage and treat complex malignancies,” said Dr. Shypula.