Somatic Cancer Testing at the HRLMP Clinical Genetics Laboratory can be broken into two main services: hematological malignancy genetic testing and somatic tumour testing.
Hematological Malignancy Testing
For hematological malignancies, we perform molecular and cytogenetic testing on peripheral blood and bone marrow specimens to assist clinicians with diagnosis, prognosis, and to inform treatment. By obtaining genetic information, treatments may be tailored and personalized to the underlying genetic cause(s), improving outcomes for many patients. We offer a wide range of tests for cancer diagnostic testing, and select follow-up tests to monitor treatment response, disease relapse, and disease progression.
Somatic (Solid Tumour) Testing
For somatic tumour testing, we perform molecular and cytogenetic (FISH) testing in collaboration with pathology laboratories. This testing is performed on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissues. We offer 14 molecular panels, including but not limited to lung, colorectal, melanoma, ovarian, endometrial, prostate in accordance with Ontario Health Recommendations, as well as FISH studies for lymphoma and sarcoma cancers. This testing assists clinicians with selecting targeted therapies, in addition to providing diagnostic and prognostic information.
