Molecular testing (cancer genetics) is a type of medical testing that looks for changes in the genes, DNA, RNA or proteins in cancer cells. These tests can help our healthcare team understand how your cancer is developing and whether certain treatments may work for you. Depending on your cancer type and treatment needs, molecular testing can also help identify inherited genetic changes that may increase your risk of certain cancers.
Molecular testing examines DNA, RNA, genes, proteins or other molecular markers in cancer cells. It can identify certain changes that influence how a tumour develops and responds to treatment.
Molecular testing is different from inherited genetic testing. Tumour testing mainly looks for changes acquired by cancer cells, while germline genetic testing uses samples such as blood or saliva to identify inherited gene changes that may increase your risk of cancer.
We may recommend molecular testing when the results could provide useful information for treatment planning, particularly in certain advanced, metastatic, recurrent or difficult-to-treat cancers.
The type of test we recommend depends on your cancer and the information needed to guide treatment. Common tests include:
NGS can examine multiple genes or genetic changes at the same time. It may help identify biomarkers that could influence treatment decisions.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests detect specific genetic changes. They may be used when our doctors are looking for a particular mutation or molecular alteration.
IHC looks for specific proteins in tumour cells. It is an important part of biomarker evaluation and may help determine whether certain treatments are appropriate.
Liquid biopsy analyses tumour-related genetic material from a blood sample. We may consider it when obtaining or testing tumour tissue is difficult. However, a negative blood-based test does not always rule out a molecular alteration, and tissue testing may still be needed.
Germline testing looks for inherited genetic changes linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. We may recommend it when there is a strong family history, early-age cancer diagnosis or other features suggesting inherited cancer risk.
Molecular testing can provide information beyond routine pathology and may help us personalise your treatment.
If a tumour has a specific genetic or molecular alteration, our oncologist can assess whether a targeted medicine may be suitable. Molecular testing may also identify biomarkers that can help determine whether certain immunotherapies could be considered.
However, finding a mutation does not automatically mean that a particular treatment will work. Our team interprets the result alongside your cancer type, stage, previous treatment and available clinical evidence.
The process usually begins with a consultation with one of our oncologists. We review your diagnosis, biopsy or pathology report, cancer stage, previous treatments and family history.
Depending on the test, the sample may come from:
The laboratory then performs the required molecular or genetic analysis. Once the report is available, our oncology team reviews the findings and explains what they may mean for your treatment. If an inherited genetic change is identified, we may also recommend genetic counselling.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, we interpret molecular testing results as part of your complete clinical picture. Our multidisciplinary team brings together pathology, radiology, surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology to help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
We can help you understand which test may be appropriate, what the results mean and whether they could influence your treatment plan. Molecular testing, when clinically indicated, can provide valuable information to support more personalised cancer care.
Not exactly. Molecular testing may examine changes in a tumour, while germline genetic testing identifies inherited gene changes that may increase cancer risk.
It may be considered for certain breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian and blood cancers, particularly when results could guide treatment.
NGS can analyse multiple genes or genetic changes at the same time to identify alterations that may help guide cancer treatment.
Tumour testing mainly identifies changes acquired by cancer cells. Inherited cancer risk is assessed through germline genetic testing.
BRCA testing may be recommended for people with certain breast or ovarian cancers, early-onset cancer, a strong family history or other features suggesting inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 changes.
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