Frequently Asked Questions

What is genomic testing?

Genomic testing, also called biomarker or molecular testing, analyzes a sample of tumour tissue to identify genetic changes, also known as mutations, that may be driving tumour growth.

By identifying these mutations, genomic testing helps doctors understand the biology of the cancer and consider treatments that are more likely to be effective because they target specific features of the tumour.

The test is usually performed on tumour tissue collected during a biopsy or surgery. If tissue is not available, a blood sample may be used instead. This is called a liquid biopsy.

What is the difference between genomic testing and genetic testing?

Genomic testing focuses on identifying genetic changes within a tumour itself, helping guide treatment decisions based on the biology of the cancer. In contrast, genetic testing (often referred to as germline testing) looks at inherited DNA to determine whether a person has a hereditary risk for certain cancers.

How do patients know if they have had genomic testing?

Access to this type of testing can vary across Canada. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor whether genomic testing has been done and what type of test was used.

When should patients get genomic testing?

Genomic testing can be performed after a confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It provides important insight into how a tumour may respond to specific treatments based on its genetic mutations.

Patients are encouraged to discuss genomic testing with their healthcare team before making treatment decisions. However, even if treatment has already begun, testing can still be done. The results may influence the current treatment plan or help guide future therapy options.

Who is eligible for this program?

Patients may be eligible for My CANcer Code if they:

Are 18 years of age or older
Have a confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Are receiving care in Canada
Have a physician or qualified healthcare provider who can complete the requisition form
Register with PCNA as part of the program process

Patients who have already received genomic testing may still be considered. Prior testing will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and previous test reports must be submitted with the requisition.

How can a patient enroll in this program?

To enroll, patients can download the requisition form and review it with their physician, who must complete and sign it before testing can proceed. Once the requisition is submitted to OncoHelix, the process will begin.

Patients must also register with PCNA to complete the enrollment process.

If a patient is waiting to see an oncologist, the requisition may be completed by a family physician.

What kind of testing is provided through this program?

OncoHelix-3: A 523-gene comprehensive genomic profiling panel using tumour tissue (Please see requisition form for specimen guidelines)

This panel offers comprehensive genomic testing using next-generation sequencing of both DNA and RNA, along with measures of genomic instability (Microsatellite Instability, Tumour Mutation Burden and Homologous Recombination Deficiency score will be reported).

For patients without tumour tissue available, a blood-based liquid biopsy may be used:

OncoHelix-4: A 146-gene circulating tumour DNA panel using a blood sample (Please see requisition form for specimen guidelines)

These tests cannot be ordered at the same time. If a tumour tissue sample submitted for OncoHelix-3 does not meet quality requirements, another sample may be requested. If no suitable tumour tissue is available, testing will automatically transition to the OncoHelix-4 liquid biopsy.

How long will the testing process take?

The testing process typically takes approximately 21 days from the time the laboratory receives the sample. The ordering physician will be notified immediately if there is a delay in the reporting.

What is a healthcare professional’s role in the process?

Healthcare professionals play a key role throughout the process. This includes discussing genomic testing with patients, supporting enrollment, arranging for sample collection, and coordinating shipment to the laboratory.

Once results are available, the healthcare provider reviews the report and discusses the most appropriate next steps with the patient based on the findings.

How can physicians enroll patients into this program?

Healthcare professionals can enroll patients by downloading and completing the requisition form. A completed and signed requisition is required for testing to proceed.

Once submitted, the patient will also be registered with PCNA, and testing will be initiated according to the selected option.

Who is performing the testing?

PCNA is offering this program in partnership with OncoHelix Inc., a CPSA-accredited laboratory based in Calgary.

The OncoHelix team can be reached at:

1-800-410-4737

[email protected]

oncohelix.org/contact

Have questions about getting started?

The PCNA Path to Precision (P2P) team can help you navigate the program:

1-888-726-2269

[email protected]

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