Connect with World-Class Cancer Centers
Stage4Hope has partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University—leaders in genetic testing and precision oncology—to give you direct, fast-track access to world-class care.
Appointments are available in days, not weeks, so you can explore targeted therapies that may work better and cause fewer side effects than traditional chemo.
Already started treatment? A second opinion could still change everything. Learn more about these leaders in cancer care.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages.
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University—Georgia’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—you’ll find leading oncology experts, personalized treatments and access to innovative clinical trials. Every aspect of your care is designed to ease the burden of cancer.
WHY GENETIC TESTING SHOULD COME FIRST
Learn More About Genetic Testing & Precision Oncology
Before starting chemotherapy or radiation, comprehensive genetic testing of your cancer can open the door to more effective, less toxic treatment options—through precision oncology.
This type of testing, sometimes called molecular profiling or next-generation sequencing (NGS), looks for genetic alterations (mutations, fusions, amplifications) in your cancer cells. These alterations can act as targets for advanced therapies, treatments that are tailored to the specific biology of your cancer, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Targeted therapies have transformed cancer treatment. Many are taken as pills, have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, and are often more effective when matched to a patient’s specific mutation. These therapies can:
- Improve survival compared to traditional chemotherapy in patients with actionable mutations
- Cause fewer side effects than conventional treatments, preserving quality of life
- Delay the need for chemo or radiation, or replace them entirely in some cases
- Offer access to clinical trials that may not otherwise be available
This is the foundation of precision oncology—personalized care, guided by the genetics of your tumor.
Starting cancer treatment without genetic testing can close doors. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy may limit future treatment options in ways that can’t be reversed:
- Chemotherapy may disqualify patients from clinical trials designed for treatment-naïve participants and can cause long-term side effects that narrow future choices.
- Radiation cannot be repeated in the same area and can damage tissue needed for precision-targeted therapy.
- Immunotherapy may change the tumor’s immune profile or make you ineligible for first-line trials.
- Surgery may remove the best tissue for complete molecular testing, making results less accurate or incomplete.
While difficult, waiting for comprehensive testing—usually just 1 to 3 weeks—can preserve access to more effective treatments, including clinical trials and FDA-approved target drugs. That brief pause may profoundly alter your outcome.
Leading cancer institutions and national guidelines now recommend broad-panel molecular testing for many patients at diagnosis, especially in advanced or metastatic cancer.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends genetic testing before first-line treatment in many cancers, including lung, breast, colon, and others.
- The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) encourages testing for patients with advanced solid tumors where approved therapies exist.
- Cancer centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, and Emory Winship consider molecular profiling essential in designing a first-line treatment plan.
Despite these recommendations, many patients begin treatment without ever being offered testing.
Genetic testing is most valuable when done before systemic treatment begins. Chemotherapy and radiation can alter the tumor environment, making testing less accurate or harder to interpret. Delaying testing may also delay access to life-extending therapies or clinical trials. Testing typically requires a sample from a prior biopsy or a new one. In some cases, it can be done via blood (liquid biopsy). Results usually take 1–3 weeks. While this short wait may feel difficult, it can profoundly impact the course of your treatment and long-term outcome.
- Has my cancer been tested for genetic mutations or biomarkers?
- Was the testing panel broad enough to detect rare or uncommon mutations?
- Can we begin treatment planning while we await the genetic testing results?
- If a mutation is found, what targeted therapies or clinical trials could apply?
You have the right to ask for this testing, and to make sure it’s done before irreversible treatment decisions are made.
Learn from the Experts
Coming Soon! Dr. Alexander Drilon, Chief of Early Drug Development at Memorial Sloan Kettering, explains why genetic testing is essential before starting treatment.
How Cancer Clinical Trials Work
Cancer clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing treatment options by testing new therapies and drug combinations to determine whether they are more effective than current standard treatments. Every FDA-approved cancer treatment available today was first evaluated in a clinical trial to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
These studies give patients access to innovative and potentially life-saving treatments that are often unavailable outside of the trial setting. Many of these drugs have received Breakthrough Therapy Designation, meaning early data suggest they offer significant improvements over existing treatments.
A common misconception is that clinical trials rely on placebos, but in cancer treatment trials, patients are never given a placebo alone. If a participant does not receive the investigational drug, they will always be provided with the best standard-of-care treatment available for their type of cancer. This ensures every patient receives effective therapy while helping researchers determine whether the new treatment is superior.
Clinical trials welcome patients from all backgrounds and walks of life, and diverse participation is critical. By including a broad range of participants, researchers gain a better understanding of how different populations respond to treatment, ultimately leading to more effective therapies for all patients.
Who Can Participate? Understanding Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria of Clinical Trials >
FIND A CLINICAL TRIAL
ClinicalTrials.gov is a trusted website where you can explore information about clinical trials happening across the country, including studies for advanced stage cancer. Whether you're looking for new treatment options, access to emerging therapies, or just want to learn more about what's out there, this site helps you find clinical trials that may be right for you. Finding a clinical trial could be an important part of your care journey to discuss with your health care professionals.
