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Precision Medicine

Targeted treatment for your cancer.

We know that people with the same kind of cancer may respond differently to the same treatment. That’s because your cancer has its own “profile.”

Cancer begins when there is change or damage to cells, which eventually creates a cancer of the blood or forms a tumor. There are many factors that can cause these changes, including:

  • Inherited genetic traits
  • Environmental influences 
  • Lifestyle differences

The pattern of changes in your tumor influences how cancer grows and spreads. We may recommend Precision Medicine genomic testing of your tumor tissue, which looks at the pattern of changes in your tumor cells that influence how cancer grows and spreads. We can check for more than 500 genomic markers — more than 10 times the national standard — and have answers within a few days. We also may suggest further genetic testing to identify genes you were born with that may influence your unique type of cancer.

Our Precision Medicine experts harness the power of this information found in your cancer to create your tumor profile and design treatment just for you.

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Precision Medicine

Two people may have the same type of cancer, but no two people respond to treatment exactly alike. Precision Medicine works to find targeted treatments custom-fit for each person.

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Spotlight on Innovation

We’re the only team in Michigan to offer Precision Medicine testing and expertise to all cancer patients.

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You have a leader in Precision Medicine

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute’s Precision Medicine program is the first and most comprehensive in Michigan to offer genomic testing and expertise of a molecular tumor board to all cancer patients. 

Henry Ford Cancer Institute’s commitment to Precision Medicine was introduced in June 2016 as part of the White House’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. The HFCI Medical Director Steven Kalkanis, M.D., joined our Precision Medicine partner Syapse, at the Cancer Moonshot Summit in Washington, D.C., to announce a program to bring the most advanced cancer care to the Midwest. A huge step forward in cancer care, Precision Medicine provides advanced treatment options to patients where in many cases hope was not present.

dr kalkanis at biden cancer summit

We reaffirmed our commitment to precision medicine and to paving a path for health systems across the country to work together and share data for cutting edge cancer treatment in September 2018 at the Biden Cancer Summit. Dr. Kalkanis and Jonathan Hirsch, President of Syapse, had the honor of being among a select group to take center stage at the national summit in Washington, D.C., and present in the “Commitment to Progress” session, which reached more than 250,000 people.

Henry Ford also is among a few select health systems in the country chosen to participate in All of Us, a National Institutes of Health Precision Medicine research program.

  • Benefits of Precision Medicine
    • Individualized care. Your treatment plan is designed just for you, based on your tumor profile.
    • Access to advanced treatments. Your tumor profile may help you learn if you qualify for clinical trials of the newest cancer treatments.
    • Extended survival rates. Studies have shown that Precision Medicine can extend the survival of people with cancer.
    • Fewer side effects. Precision Medicine can offer fewer side effects and help you avoid unnecessary treatments.
    • Discovery of genetic abnormalities. Precision Medicine is a good option for metastatic cancer — cancer that has spread from its original location — because abnormalities in your genes and DNA are more likely to be found. Genetic markers also may help us understand if you will respond better to traditional treatment options.
    • Incorporates your personal preferences. Your individual preferences are considered to further specialize your treatment plan.
    • Data can help other people. Your tumor profile may help us understand how best to treat other patients as well.
  • Precision Medicine and Your Care Journey

    For patients at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, we’ve designed a highly personalized experience that we call the “cancer care pathway.” A nurse navigator helps you every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment through survivorship.

    1. You and your care team will discuss if you could benefit from Precision Medicine and be eligible for targeted therapy.
    2. If you choose to proceed, testing of a small sample of your tumor will be performed by the Henry Ford Center for Precision Diagnostics.
    3. Your information is discussed by Precision Medicine experts at our molecular tumor board. We look at real-world results for patients with a similar tumor profile using a national data network. This can help identify treatments or clinical trials that are more likely to work, and help you avoid unnecessary treatments and their side effects. 
    4. Recommendations are discussed with experts on one of our 15 disease specific tumor boards. 
    5. Your care team works together to design the best treatment plan for you.
    6. Your response to treatment is tracked to see what works best — for current and future treatments. Some cancers don’t have targeted therapies yet, but Precision Medicine is ever evolving.
    7. We counsel you along the way throughout the course of your treatment.
  • Your Precision Medicine Care Team

    Henry Ford Cancer Institute brings together leading experts and the most advanced research, technology and best practices to deliver Precision Medicine.
    You have one strong care team throughout your journey. Cancer patients travel to the Henry Ford Cancer Institute from every state in the country and every continent in the world. Our 1,300 highly skilled experts – surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, scientists, and other specialists — provide world-class cancer care to more than 80,000 patients each year.

    Center for Precision Diagnostics

    Henry Ford’s Center for Precision Diagnostics is among the best-in-class in the United States and the only comprehensive genomics testing laboratory in Michigan. The national standard at premier cancer centers calls for checking 44 genes for recurrent cancer patients with a two-week turnaround time. Our center can test for more than 500 markers, with quick results within a few days for faster treatment planning

    Molecular Tumor Board

    Henry Ford’s molecular tumor board is the first and most comprehensive in Michigan to offer consultations to all cancer patients. Our team of expert cancer doctors and researchers reviews test results and offers guidance to your team of doctors on personalized treatments

    National Precision Medicine Data Network

    Henry Ford has partnered with Syapse, a national Precision Medicine data network, and an elite group of health systems in the Oncology Precision Network. We share cancer genomics data through advanced software, rapidly bringing insight into the treatment options that will offer the best results for your tumor profile.

Connect with our Cancer Team 24/7

Call us at (888) 777-4167

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