St. Luke’s Expands Precision Cancer Care with New Cancer Genomics Service

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, and behind every diagnosis is a patient and a family looking for answers. St. Luke’s Medical Center has taken a significant step forward in its precision oncology care with the launch of its Cancer Genomics Service (CGS) under Genomics and Precision Medicine Center, an integrated clinical service that brings together genomic testing, genetic counseling, multidisciplinary interpretation, and coordinated patient care. 

For patients, this comprehensive care model provides targeted treatment options, a clearer prognostic outlook, and actionable insights to help protect loved ones who may share inherited risks. It represents a personalized approach to oncology, built around the individual patient and their family.

Understanding the Science Behind Precision Care

Genes contain the instructions inside our cells that direct how our bodies grow and function. Alterations in these genes can contribute to cancer development and behavior and, in some cancers, help predict response to particular therapies. By evaluating these genetic markers, physicians can better understand a patient’s cancer, select targeted treatments, and provide a more informed outlook. Crucially, these insights can also reveal whether a cancer risk is inherited, enabling relatives to take proactive steps to protect their health.

A Unified, Coordinated Care Pathway

While genetic testing has long been available at St. Luke’s, patients previously had to navigate through multiple departments. The Cancer Genomics Service streamlines this experience by consolidating all services into one coordinated program:

• Patient Navigator: Guides each patient through every step of the testing and clinical process.

• Genetic Counseling: Provides expert pre- and post-test counseling to help patients and families fully understand their options and results.

• Molecular Tumor Board: A multidisciplinary panel of medical experts who collaboratively review each patient’s genomic profile to recommend personalized care strategies.

Comprehensive Services Offered

Patients can access several specialized diagnostic pathways tailored to their specific clinical needs:

• Somatic Tumor Profiling: Evaluates the tumor tissue to identify genetic changes that can affect cancer behavior and point to targeted, effective therapies.

• Hereditary Cancer Risk Testing: Combines family health history reviews with germline testing to determine if cancer risk is inherited, guiding relatives on necessary steps.

• Combined Somatic & Hereditary Work-Up: Offers a comprehensive assessment when both tumor profiling and germline risk analysis are required.

• Genetic Counseling: Available as a stand-alone service or as part of a package to help families understand genetic findings.

• Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED): Uses a simple blood test to look for signals that may be associated with several types of cancer, sometimes before symptoms appear. The service provides additional clinical guidance before testing, helps patients understand whether the test is appropriate for you and comprehend and determine appropriate next steps. 

• Genomic External Reviews: Provides expert clinical interpretation of genetic or genomic test results obtained outside St. Luke’s, including guidance on their clinical relevance and appropriate next steps.

Early Detection & Personalized Care

Whether seeking early detection before symptoms appear, evaluating hereditary risks, or facing a new cancer diagnosis, the Cancer Genomics Service provides a coordinated pathway from testing to clinical interpretation and care. St. Luke's ensures that patients can access advanced, gene-based answers - from early screening and risk assessment to targeted therapy.

For more information about St. Luke’s Medical Center and its services, contact the Product Information Hub at 09479930471 / 09399161805 / 09285200239 / 09985822276 or email productinfo@stlukes.com.ph.