Home >> Clinical Genetics

Print This Page

Customized Treatment

Clinical genetics is the core of the cancer research program at the Hoskins Center. Our scientists work closely with clinicians at the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute* at Memorial Health University Medical Center to provide a comprehensive cancer genetics service that includes risk assessment, genetic testing, counseling with board-certified medical geneticists, research, and intervention strategies to prevent cancer.

Although only a small percentage of cancer is caused by an inherited genetic mutation, the men and women who carry a mutation have a much higher risk of developing the disease. Genetic testing can empower them with the information and education they need to prevent cancer before it occurs.

Our clinical genetics service includes genetic testing of the blood using a process called sequence analysis. Scientists go through the entire gene sequence to look for a mutation that could one day cause cancer. The results can be life changing. Genetic counselors and physicians go over the results with patients and, if a mutation exists, formulate a cancer intervention plan. The following tests are offered:

• Inherited breast and ovarian cancer
• Inherited colorectal cancer
• Inherited colon polyposis
• A thrombosis panel test that identifies an increased risk of having blood clots
• In the area of pharmacogenetics, we test for specific variants in genes that may cause adverse reactions to chemotherapy drugs
• A warfarin genotyping panel for use in determining dosage of anticoagulant

In addition to genetic testing, our clinical genetics program includes customized treatment planning. Scientists study the human genome in individual patient's tumors to identify unique genetic pathways that have been altered. They then use that information to create very targeted or personalized cancer therapy that works with an individual's genetic makeup.

The unique and thorough nature of this program makes Savannah a destination for genetic cancer testing and treatment.

*The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial Health University Medical Center is not affiliated with the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.