Saint Luke's Hospital Center for Precision Oncology

Precision genomics for personalized cancer care

Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute’s precision oncology experts treat your tumor’s mutation, not just your cancer’s location. Our specially trained experts will identify the exact genomic alteration causing a tumor and find the individualized treatment plan for your type of cancer. Saint Luke's Hospital Center for Precision Oncology team’s experience in clinical oncology, tumor genomics, and computational biology makes us leaders in the field of genomics.

Patients receiving care at the Center for Precision Oncology also have access to the Tempus TIME Trial™ program, which provides more than 50 clinical trial options based on comprehensive genetic testing.

Call 816-932-2950 to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Precision Genomics

Traditionally, cancers found in the same area of the body (breast, lung, etc.) are treated the same way. New technology has found that each person may have changes, known as ‘mutations’ within their DNA, which drive cancer growth. Genomic sequencing helps identify the specific mutations within a patient. New therapies are being tested and approved to target these ‘driver’ mutations, and stop cancer growth.

Why Saint Luke’s Center for Precision Oncology?

Our expertise sets Saint Luke’s apart from other centers that offer genomic sequencing. We offer comprehensive genomic testing and analyze it with the help of our team of medical oncology, cancer genomics, and computational biology experts.  This team meets regularly to analyze the cases sent to them by oncologists for review providing customized treatment recommendations for individual patients. 

Since 2018, we have provided targeted treatment recommendations for more than 400 patients. These patients, on average, had increased time on therapy and survival compared to patients who did not receive targeted therapy. In addition, Saint Luke’s has access to the Tempus TIME Trial™  program, which provides more than 50 clinical trial options for patients based on the results of comprehensive genetic testing. The TIME Trial™ provides valuable treatment options that have the potential to improve upon the available standard-of-care therapies for individuals with cancer. 

Who is eligible for this service?

Adults with cancers can seek genomic testing and treatment at Saint Luke’s Center for Precision Oncology, even if that person isn’t a Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute patient. You will meet with our experts for an initial consultation, virtually or in-person, to determine the best course of action. We can also give a second opinion based on the results of any previous genomic testing. We recommend that patients are referred to the program as early as possible, even if other standard-of-care options are being pursued.

What can I expect?

We will send a tissue sample with DNA from your tumor to a genomic sequencing laboratory. 

You’ll meet onsite or virtually with the precision genomics team to review your results and our recommendations. These may be currently available treatments or treatments only available in clinical trials. You and your oncologist can review these recommendations and decide on a path forward. 

What are the precision treatment options?

Based on comprehensive genomic analysis, our team will evaluate whether a patient is a candidate for participation in a clinical trial, selected chemotherapy, or the use of a targeted drug. We may recommend using a drug typically used on a different type of cancer if it has been shown to be effective in treating a specific mutation. Our dedicated specialty pharmacist works to get our patients access to the medication they need.
Patients receiving care at the Center for Precision Oncology have access to the Tempus TIME Trial™ program, which provides more than 50 clinical trial options based on comprehensive genetic testing. 

How can patients outside Kansas City access this service?

Genomic testing from the Center of Precision Oncology is available at all Saint Luke's metro locations. Testing can also be arranged at the patient's home, and virtual visits are available.