Tumor Tissue Oncology Panel

IntroLab in Belgrade offers a tumor tissue oncology panel that provides a detailed analysis of genetic changes that can guide treatment decisions. This advanced test helps oncologists make more precise, personalized choices by identifying clinically relevant mutations, biomarkers for immunotherapy, predicted responses to chemotherapy, and eligibility for available clinical trials. Schedule your test today at IntroLab and discover which treatments your tumor is most likely to respond to.

What Does the Tumor Tissue Oncology Panel Reveal?

The tumor tissue oncology panel analyzes a wide range of genes directly linked to the development, progression, and treatment of various types of cancer. The test identifies mutations that can influence the choice of targeted therapies, the likelihood of success with immunotherapy, and the risk of adverse reactions to chemotherapy.

Based on the results, patients receive:

• A review of therapies with potential benefits
• Information about possible resistance to certain medications
• Access to current clinical trials targeting the detected mutations
• A pharmacogenetic analysis of how the body may respond to and tolerate commonly used chemotherapy drugs

This test provides critical insights that can significantly influence the course of treatment – offering a foundation for more precise and informed therapeutic decisions.

How Is the Tumor Tissue Oncology Panel Performed?

The analysis is performed on a paraffin-embedded tumor tissue sample (FFPE), which is usually collected during a prior surgery or biopsy. Thanks to this method, testing can be done without the need for any additional invasive procedures – making the process much easier for the patient.

A pathology report from the treating pathologist must be provided along with the sample to ensure that the results are interpreted accurately and in accordance with the specific tumor type.

What Does the Report Include?

The report is thoroughly structured to be clear and useful for both physicians and patients. It includes the following sections:

• Identified Genetic Alterations – a list of detected mutations with explanations of their clinical significance
• Overview of Treatment Options – therapies associated with the identified genetic changes
• Immunotherapy Biomarkers – including PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and HLA polymorphisms
• Pharmacogenetic Analysis – evaluation of drug efficacy and potential toxicity based on the patient’s genetic profile
• Clinical Trial Information – international studies for which the patient may be eligible based on their mutation profile
• Interpretation According to Clinical Guidelines – results are analyzed in accordance with current medical standards and professional recommendations

Examples of Mutations and Their Significance

Each detected mutation in the report is clearly described, including its biological relevance and potential impact on treatment decisions.

• PTEN (p.G165R): A mutation that inactivates the tumor suppressor gene PTEN and activates the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. This may indicate sensitivity to mTOR inhibitors or combination therapies.
• TP53 (p.R175H): A common “hotspot” mutation associated with poor prognosis and more aggressive tumors. It is currently the focus of multiple clinical trials, including experimental CAR-T therapies.
• TERT Promoter (C250T): A mutation that extends the lifespan of cancer cells by activating telomerase. It is considered significant in glioblastoma, melanoma, and thyroid cancer.

Immunotherapy Biomarkers

In addition to PD-L1 status, the test provides a broader picture of the patient’s immune response, including:

• PD-L1 expression in both tumor and immune cells
• TMB (Tumor Mutational Burden) – the number of mutations per megabase of DNA
• MSI (Microsatellite Instability) – an indicator of microsatellite stability
• HLA-A/B/C heterozygosity – the immune system’s ability to recognize tumor neoantigens

This combination of biomarkers helps guide the selection of the most appropriate immunotherapy for each individual patient.

Pharmacogenetics: Drug Response and Toxicity

The test evaluates genetic predisposition to the effectiveness and sensitivity of commonly used cancer drugs, including cisplatin, methotrexate, tamoxifen, and anastrozole.

• Based on the results, it is possible to identify:
• Reduced effectiveness of certain medications
• Increased risk of adverse or toxic reactions

This information is especially important for patients who have not responded to standard therapies and when planning the next line of treatment.

Clinical Trials – An Additional Treatment Opportunity

The report includes an overview of clinical trials from relevant databases, including:

• NCT IDs
• Drugs or molecules under investigation
• Geographic locations of the trials

This allows patients to find out whether they meet the criteria to participate in studies specifically targeting the genetic alterations identified in their tumor.

Quality, Safety, and Standards

The testing is conducted according to the highest standards of genetic analysis:

• GRCh38 reference genome
• Use of reputable databases such as ClinVar, COSMIC, OncoKB, and CIViC
• Interpretation aligned with international guidelines for the clinical application of genetic testing

Who Should Consider a Tumor Tissue Oncology Panel?

This test is recommended in the following situations:

• When the cancer is advanced or metastatic
• When planning a new line of therapy
• If there is suspected resistance or loss of treatment effectiveness
• Before deciding on immunotherapy or targeted therapy
• When evaluating eligibility for participation in a clinical trial

Schedule Your Test and Gain a Clearer Treatment Path

This analysis allows each tumor to be viewed as a unique case. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, both the patient and physician receive a molecular map of the disease—pointing to the most effective therapies, reducing the risk of side effects, and improving overall prognosis. Call IntroLab in Belgrade to schedule your tumor tissue oncology panel and take the first step toward personalized treatment.