& TERMINOLOGY
Genomic Testing A test that looks at multiple genes at the same time, from a sample of a person’s saliva, cells or blood. It can identify some biomarkers in cancer cells. May also be called biomarker testing, genomic profiling, molecular testing, somatic testing, tumour genetic testing, tumour profiling, tumour sub-typing and tumour testing. Genome Your genome is your entire DNA, all 3.2 billion letters of it. It contains around 20,000 genes. Germline Mutation A genetic change in a sperm or egg. When they come together to form a fertilised egg, the genetic change is passed on to the offspring. Cancer caused by germline mutations is called inherited cancer. Immunohistochemistry A laboratory test that uses antibodies (immune proteins) to identify certain biomarkers (known as antigens) in a sample of tissue. Liquid biopsy A new and non-invasive biopsy that analyses different components of the cancer from a sample of bodily fluids, such as blood. These cells
may then be tested for biomarkers. Next generation sequencing
An advanced laboratory method that captures a large amount of genetic information from a single sample, and allows for the sequencing of many DNA strands at the same time. Also called NGS.
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