Cancer Precision Medicine

Personalized Care Guided by Your Cancer’s Biology

Personalized cancer treatment at St. Elizabeth Healthcare focuses on you — not just the diagnosis. By analyzing the genetic and molecular makeup of your tumor, our specialists guide care with advanced testing and targeted therapies for greater accuracy, fewer side effects and more informed decisions.

Why Choose St. Elizabeth for Precision Oncology?

St. Elizabeth is committed to advancing cancer care through innovation, expertise and patient-centered support. Patients choose St. Elizabeth for:

• Advanced diagnostic capabilities that support precision medicine.
• Experienced oncology teams who interpret results and guide care.
• Coordinated cancer services that reduce delays and confusion.
• A focus on personalized, compassionate care.

Precision medicine reflects our ongoing commitment to improving cancer outcomes through thoughtful, evidence-based care.

What Is Precision Medicine for Cancer?

Precision medicine for cancer is a personalized approach to care that uses genomic profiling for cancer, genetic testing for cancer and molecular testing for cancer to better understand how a tumor behaves and responds to treatment. Instead of relying only on where a cancer started, precision oncology looks at the specific genetic changes that drive tumor growth. This information helps us guide treatment choices tailored to each person we treat.

How Does Precision Medicine Work for Cancer?

Precision medicine begins with testing that helps your care team better understand the biology of your cancer. This may include genetic testing and genomic profiling, which look for specific changes in cancer cells that can influence how a tumor behaves and responds to treatment. In some cases, this approach also helps identify whether immunotherapy as part of precision medicine may be an option.

Testing may involve tumor samples, blood tests or other diagnostic tools. Your care team takes time to explain what the results mean, what they show about your cancer and how they may help guide next steps in your care.

These details help your doctors identify targeted therapy or immunotherapy options and avoid treatments that may be less effective.

Types of Precision Medicine for Cancer

Precision oncology may include several approaches, depending on cancer type and testing results:

• Genomic profiling for cancer to analyze tumor DNA.
• Molecular testing for cancer to identify actionable targets.
• Targeted therapy for cancer that focuses on specific cancer pathways.
• Immunotherapy and precision medicine treatments that help the immune system recognize cancer cells.

Because every cancer is different, precision medicine supports individualized cancer therapy that reflects the biology of the tumor and the needs of each patient.

Benefits of Precision Medicine for Cancer

Precision medicine supports more personalized treatment plans and may improve how well treatments work. By focusing care more precisely, it also can help reduce unnecessary side effects and give you clearer insight into your treatment options and possible outcomes. For many people, this approach brings more understanding and confidence when making care decisions.

These benefits of precision medicine for cancer help many patients feel more informed and confident in their care decisions.

Precision Medicine vs. Chemotherapy

Traditional chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, including healthy ones. Precision medicine is different because it focuses treatments on specific cancer features, which may allow for more targeted care.

Chemotherapy may play an important role, but precision oncology helps determine when targeted or immune-based therapies may be appropriate — or when combining approaches makes sense.

Is Precision Medicine for All Cancers?

Precision medicine is not used for every cancer or every patient. It is most helpful when testing identifies genetic changes or biomarkers that guide treatment. Your care team will review the cancer type, stage and testing results first to determine whether precision medicine may benefit your care plan.

How St. Elizabeth Delivers Precision Oncology Care

At St. Elizabeth, precision oncology is delivered through a coordinated, multidisciplinary care process that brings together cancer specialists, pathologists, genetic experts and other care team specialists. Our approach includes:

• Advanced diagnostic and molecular testing capabilities.
• Collaboration across oncology specialties.
• Care planning based on evidence, expertise and patient goals.
• Clear communication to help patients understand results and options.

What to Expect When Precision Medicine Is Part of Your Care

When precision medicine is recommended, your care team takes time to explain why testing may be helpful, what information it can provide and how results may influence treatment decisions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and understand how this approach fits into your overall care.

Common Questions About Cancer Precision Medicine