Dr. Benson on the Use of Genomic Testing in Newly Diagnosed mCRC

Al B. Benson, MD, professor of medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, discusses the use of genomic testing in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Genomic testing can shed light on optimal targeted treatment strategies for individual patients. As such, genomic testing should be performed at diagnosis, says Benson. Moreover, understanding the optimal first-line option for a patient is a key part of sequencing the most beneficial continuum of care.

Patients should be tested for RAS mutations, Benson explains. If a patient is RAS wild-type, further testing for BRAF and HER2 alterations should be considered. Microsatellite instability status should also be evaluated because it can shed light on later-line treatment decisions, concludes Benson.