Consultant Medical Oncologist · Practising at Spashta Healthcare, Bengaluru Appointments +91 99000 79030
Precision Oncology

Two people, one scan, two different diseases.

At the molecular level, cancers that look alike can be driven by completely different changes. Precision oncology uses genomic testing to understand what is driving your cancer, so treatment can be aimed at it directly. Dr Sneha practises this as the foundation of her care, not an add-on.

NGS · Liquid biopsy · MRDGenomic testing built into routine treatment planning.

A treatment aimed at your disease
What precision oncology covers

Reading the biology of your cancer

Comprehensive Genomic Profiling

Genetic and molecular testing of the tumour to find the specific mutations driving it, and whether specialised treatment pathways or clinical trials should be considered.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

A single comprehensive test that examines large sections of the tumour's DNA, finding actionable mutations and resistance markers that standard testing can miss.

Liquid Biopsy (ctDNA)

A blood test that detects fragments of tumour DNA in the bloodstream. It is useful when a tissue biopsy is difficult, and for tracking response and early signs of recurrence.

Hereditary Cancer Programmes

BRCA testing, Lynch syndrome screening and other inherited syndromes, with risk assessment and counselling for you and your family.

Treatment Monitoring & MRD

Response assessment, minimal residual disease (MRD) detection and early recurrence monitoring, often before any change is visible on a scan.

Molecular-Report Interpretation

A genomic report is only as useful as its interpretation. Dr Sneha reviews results in a multidisciplinary framework and translates them into a practical plan.

Why it matters

A treatment aimed at the disease, or one aimed at your disease

By reading the tumour's biology through genomic profiling, NGS and liquid biopsy, precision oncology helps identify which treatments are likely to help, which may offer limited benefit, and when a change of approach is worth considering. It does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it makes each decision better informed.

Common questions

Precision oncology FAQs

Do I need genomic testing?

It depends on your cancer type, stage and situation. For some cancers it is a routine part of planning first-line treatment; for others it becomes useful if the cancer is advanced, rare, or has not responded as expected. Dr Sneha will explain whether it applies to you.

What is the difference between NGS and a single-gene test?

A single-gene test looks for one specific change. Next-generation sequencing reads many genes at once, which can reveal mutations and resistance markers a targeted test would not look for, useful in complex or advanced cancers.

Is a liquid biopsy a replacement for a tissue biopsy?

Not usually. A tissue biopsy remains the standard for diagnosis. A liquid biopsy is an additional tool, helpful when repeat tissue sampling is difficult or risky, and for monitoring the cancer over time.

Will genomic testing tell me my prognosis?

Genomic testing is about guiding treatment, not predicting an outcome. It can show which targeted options are available and how the cancer may behave, but many other factors affect prognosis. Dr Sneha will discuss what the results mean for your plan.

Where is the testing done and how long does it take?

Testing is arranged through accredited laboratories. Turnaround varies by test, typically one to three weeks. Dr Sneha will explain the timeline and how it fits with starting or adjusting treatment.

This page is general information and is not medical advice for your situation. Whether any test or treatment is appropriate depends on a full clinical assessment. Medically reviewed by Dr Sneha Kommineni.