Supportive Care and Genetics
Tumor molecular diagnostics, hereditary syndrome genetic testing, and management of anticancer therapy side effects. Accurate information is the foundation of proper treatment.
Tumor Molecular Profiling
Every tumor is unique at the molecular level. Molecular profiling identifies which genetic changes have occurred in tumor cells, enabling the selection of therapy targeting those specific changes. This does not replace standard treatment — it refines it.
NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing)
A comprehensive molecular portrait of the tumor. Simultaneous analysis of hundreds of genes reveals mutations for which targeted drugs exist. This is the most informative method of molecular diagnostics, helping to determine the optimal treatment strategy.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Detection of key receptor and protein expression in tumor tissue: HER2, PD-L1, ER, PR, and others. IHC results directly influence therapy selection — they determine whether targeted therapy or immunotherapy is indicated in a specific case.
FISH Analysis
Fluorescence in situ hybridization — a method for detecting gene rearrangements and amplifications. Used to identify ALK, ROS1, HER2 amplification, and other changes that determine tumor sensitivity to specific drugs.
MSI Testing
Detection of microsatellite instability — an important marker indicating a high likelihood of response to immunotherapy. With high MSI (MSI-H), immunotherapy can be effective regardless of tumor location.
Molecular profiling does not replace the physician's clinical judgment. It is a tool that helps the oncologist make a more informed therapy selection decision.
Hereditary Syndrome Genetic Testing
Approximately 5–10% of cancers are linked to hereditary genetic mutations. Genetic testing can identify these mutations and inform decisions that may affect treatment and prevention.
Why genetic testing matters:
- Therapy selection — BRCA1/2 mutations may qualify for PARP inhibitors, significantly improving treatment outcomes
- Risk assessment for relatives — an identified mutation allows offering screening to family members
- Preventive measures — healthy mutation carriers can receive individualized surveillance programs
- Prognostication — certain mutations affect prognosis and determine the scope of treatment required
Genetic test results are interpreted by genetic counselor Margarita V. Sharova. Learn more about the team
What a Genetic Test Can Detect
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations — breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer
- Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 genes) — colorectal and endometrial cancer
- Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (CDH1 gene)
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 gene) — multiple tumor types at a young age
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (APC gene) — high risk of colorectal cancer
- Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL gene) — renal cell carcinoma
The list of tested genes and syndromes is determined individually based on the clinical situation and family history.
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Anticancer treatment may cause adverse effects. The goal of supportive care is to minimize their severity, maintain quality of life, and ensure the ability to continue treatment at full dose.
Nausea and Vomiting Prevention
Antiemetic therapy following international protocols. Modern medications can prevent nausea and vomiting with most chemotherapy regimens.
Hematologic Support
Colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) for neutropenia prevention, anemia correction, blood component transfusion when necessary.
Organ Protection
Nephroprotection for nephrotoxic regimens, hepatoprotection for drug-induced liver injury, cardioprotection when using cardiotoxic agents (anthracyclines, trastuzumab).
Immune-Related Adverse Event Management
Immunotherapy can trigger autoimmune reactions — thyroiditis, hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis. Timely detection and proper management allow treatment to continue without losing effectiveness.
Nutritional Support
Nutritional status assessment, dietary guidance during treatment, deficiency correction. Proper nutrition is a key factor in treatment tolerance and recovery.
Psychological Support
Support for patients and their loved ones during treatment. Addressing anxiety, fears, and adapting to changes. I understand that treatment is not only a medical process but an emotional one as well.
Support Team
Supportive care and genetic diagnostics require a multidisciplinary approach. The clinic has specialists who manage patients together with the oncologist.
Sharova
Hereditary cancer syndromes, molecular profiling, NGS diagnostics. 15+ publications in international journals.
Selyutsky
Management of comorbidities in cancer patients. Supportive care. Pirogov Medal for work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Molecular profiling is an analysis of genetic changes (mutations) in tumor tissue. It identifies which molecular targets the tumor has, enabling the selection of targeted or immunotherapy directed at those specific targets. This improves treatment effectiveness and reduces the risk of prescribing drugs that would not work in a given case.
Genetic testing is recommended for breast or ovarian cancer (especially under age 50), when there are multiple cancer cases in the family, for certain histological tumor types (e.g., triple-negative breast cancer), and when test results may influence therapy selection — for example, prescribing PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations.
The procedure begins with a venous blood draw. The sample is sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis. Results are ready in 2–3 weeks. After receiving results, a genetic counselor consultation explains the significance of findings and provides recommendations for next steps.
If a hereditary mutation is found, the genetic counselor will discuss an individual surveillance and prevention plan with you. This may include enhanced screening, recommendations for testing blood relatives, preventive measures, and implications for anticancer therapy selection (e.g., PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations).
Modern supportive care significantly reduces the severity of side effects. We use advanced antiemetics, colony-stimulating factors for blood count support, hepatoprotectors and nephroprotectors for organ protection. The doctor monitors blood counts and overall condition, adjusting therapy as needed.
The cost depends on the scope of testing: individual gene analysis (e.g., BRCA1/2) is less expensive than full NGS sequencing. The specific cost and required scope are discussed during consultation based on your clinical situation. Book by calling +7 (917) 520-45-89 or using the form below.
Discuss Testing Needs with the Oncologist
Whether molecular profiling or genetic testing is needed in your case is determined by the doctor. Contact me, and I will help determine the optimal scope of diagnostics.
I will personally review your documents before the appointment to make the consultation as useful as possible.