TREATING BLOOD CANCERS
MOLECULAR
PROFILING
for cancer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You or your loved one has been diagnosed with a type of blood
cancer. One of the technologies your doctor may offer you is
known as “molecular profiling.” What does it mean and how does
it work?
This fact sheet will help you:
• Learn about molecular profiling
• Get to know the benefits
• Understand how it works
• Find out what it means for you
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What is molecular profiling?
The goal of Cancer happens when abnormal cells grow and spread. This growth is
molecular profiling driven by genetic or molecular changes that we inherit from our parents
is to develop
or develop on our own. Each cancer has a unique set of molecular
targeted and
changes in the cancer cells.
effective therapies
for your cancer. Molecular profiling uses technologies to allow doctors to see the
molecular differences between cancer cells and healthy cells.
About • It uses various technologies to understand the nature of cancer cells.
molecular • Biomarkers (molecules) show abnormal signs that could mean disease.
profiling
• It can help identify a person’s response, resistance, or lack of response to
certain treatments.
• It can lead to targeted and more effective therapy for cancer.
What Molecular profiling gives your doctor information about which of your
are the genes have changed (mutated).
benefits?
This process can identify changes that help your doctor:
• Diagnose your cancer
• Know how your body will respond to a specific drug
A biomarker is a
• Decide which cancer treatment is best for you
molecule found
in blood or tissue. • Predict what will happen over time (give a prognosis)
It may be used to • Treat your cancer
see how well the
body responds to Molecular profiling can offer a better chance to manage or cure your
a treatment for a disease.
disease or condition. Your doctor can use precision medicine, also called personalized medicine,
to treat the disease with the information molecular profiling provides. The
result is more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
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How does it work?
Molecular profiling identifies the DNA (genetic material), RNA (carrier of genetic codes), or protein
molecule that is linked to a specific cancer. You will provide a sample of tissue, bone marrow, lymph
node, or peripheral blood (blood that is circulating in your body). The sample is sent to the lab for
molecular profiling tests. These tests identify the unique biomarkers that match your type of cancer.
Here are five molecular profiling technologies:
Name of test Description
Immuno- This test uses antibodies to detect antigens (markers) in your tissue
histochemistry sample. This information helps your doctor diagnose your specific type
(IHC) of cancer.
Fluorescence in This test looks at genes and chromosomes in your cells. It helps your doctor
situ hybridization to diagnose you, assess your risk, and decide on the type of treatment to
(FISH) give you.
Next-generation This test examines stretches of your DNA or RNA and gives information
sequencing related to your prognosis and treatment.
(NGS)
Quantitative This technique looks at a specific segment of your DNA. It can detect a very
polymerase chain low amount of blood cancer cells that cannot be seen using a microscope.
reaction (qPCR)
Cancer These molecules show abnormal processes, signs, or substances in your
biomarkers body that may point to a disease or condition. There are three types of
biomarkers:
- Diagnostic markers help diagnose or classify
- Prognostic markers help determine what will happen over time (your
outcome)
Precision medicine
- Predictive markers help tailor treatment decisions
uses information
about a person’s
lifestyle, environment,
and biology. This helps
to prevent, diagnose,
and treat diseases.
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Questions to ask your healthcare team
Your healthcare team may include your doctor, nurse, social worker, and pharmacist. To make sure
you receive the best care, be open and honest with the team. Molecular profiling may not be available
or may not be right for you. Talk to your team about whether it is a good option.
Here are some questions you may want to ask:
Questions • Is my cancer eligible for molecular profiling?
to ask • Can I do molecular profiling if I have already received treatment?
• What are the benefits? What are the risks?
• What biomarkers are associated with my cancer?
• What could molecular profiling or biomarker analysis tell me about my cancer?
• Will I need any more testing? If so, what types of tests?
• What is the cost? Can it be covered by my insurance?
• Who will do the analysis? Where will it be done?
• How long will it take to get the results? How will you use the results?
• Is molecular profiling likely to identify a targeted treatment for my type of cancer?
• What happens if molecular profiling identifies a prescription drug that is not yet
approved, but may be an effective treatment for me?
• Will I need to get another molecular profile done for this cancer? What if I develop a
different type of cancer?
This fact sheet was reviewed by: This publication was made possible thanks to the support of:
Dr. Rena Buckstein, MD, FRCPC
Hematologist and Affiliate scientist
Odette Cancer Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Never hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help!
1 833 222- 4884 • info@bloodcancers.ca • bloodcancers.ca
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