Molecular and Genetic Testing Results
Where do I find my molecular and genetic testing results for cancer treatment?
Molecular tests like NGS, FISH, and IHC are often performed by outside reference labs and reported separately from your main pathology report. Request your complete biomarker results from both the hospital pathology department and the reference lab, since these results determine your eligibility for targeted therapies.
Modern cancer care has been revolutionized by molecular and genetic testing. These advanced tests go beyond cell appearance to analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins—unlocking the door to personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
What is Molecular and Genetic Testing?
After the initial diagnosis, the pathologist may perform additional tests on your tissue to look for specific molecular markers. These are not typically part of the initial report and can take several weeks to complete.
| Test Type | What It Looks For | Common Example |
|---|---|---|
| IHC (Immunohistochemistry) | Proteins on cell surface or inside cell | PD-L1 for immunotherapy eligibility |
| FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) | Extra gene copies or rearranged genes | ALK rearrangement in lung cancer |
| NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) | Wide range of genetic mutations | BRAF mutation in melanoma |
Why These Results Are Often in a Separate Report
A common point of confusion: you receive your main pathology report, but the molecular results are nowhere to be found. This can lead to an incomplete record if you're not aware.
Different Timelines
Initial diagnosis can often be made in a few days. Complex NGS panels can take 2-3 weeks. The main report is issued first; molecular results follow in an addendum or separate report.
Performed at a Different Lab
Your local hospital may not have the technology for advanced testing. It's common for tissue to be sent to specialized reference laboratories (Foundation Medicine, Caris Life Sciences, etc.), which then issue their own separate report.
Important: Your complete pathology record may consist of two or more separate documents from different institutions. It is absolutely critical that you and your doctor obtain all of them.
How to Ensure You Get Your Molecular Results
- 1.Ask Your Doctor: When discussing your initial report, ask: "Will any additional molecular or genetic testing be performed on my tumor?"
- 2.Inquire About the Lab: Ask where testing will be done. If sent to an outside lab, get the name of that lab.
- 3.Follow Up: If you haven't heard about molecular results within 2-3 weeks, follow up with your doctor. Ask if results came in and request a copy.
- 4.Request Directly: You can formally request the report from the reference lab. You have the same HIPAA rights as for your primary report.
The Impact on Your Treatment
Obtaining your molecular results is not just about having a complete record—this information directly determines your eligibility for the most advanced cancer treatments.
Targeted Therapy
If your tumor has a specific mutation (like EGFR in lung cancer), you may be eligible for a drug highly effective against cancers with that mutation.
Immunotherapy
Your results for markers like PD-L1 and Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) can predict how likely you are to respond to immunotherapy drugs.
Critical: Without these results, your oncologist cannot know if these powerful, often life-extending treatments are an option for you.
How MedicalRecords.com Helps
Track Down Molecular Results
If you know testing was done but can't find the report, we can contact your doctor and the reference lab.
Request Complete Records
We know to ask for the main report AND any subsequent molecular testing reports.
Understand Your Results
Molecular reports are complex. We can provide resources to help you understand what your results mean.
Missing Your Molecular Testing Results?
We can track down this critical piece of your diagnosis and ensure you have complete information for treatment decisions.
Track Down My ResultsFrequently Asked Questions
What is next-generation sequencing and why does my oncologist want it?
Next-generation sequencing (NGS), also called comprehensive genomic profiling, analyzes hundreds of genes in your tumor simultaneously to identify mutations, amplifications, and other alterations. This is important because many cancer treatments including targeted therapies and immunotherapies only work if your tumor has specific genetic alterations. NGS testing helps your oncologist match you with the most effective treatments and identify clinical trial eligibility.
How do I get my complete molecular testing results?
Molecular tests like IHC, FISH, and NGS are often performed at outside reference laboratories and reported separately from your main pathology report. Request your complete biomarker results from both the hospital pathology department and the reference lab (such as Foundation Medicine, Tempus, or Caris). Your oncologist should have received all reports, but confirm this and obtain your own copies for your records.
What are common molecular markers tested in cancer?
Common markers include HER2 (breast, gastric), EGFR (lung), KRAS/NRAS (colorectal, lung), BRAF (melanoma, colorectal), ALK/ROS1 (lung), PD-L1 (immunotherapy eligibility), MSI/MMR (DNA mismatch repair), and BRCA1/2 (breast, ovarian, prostate). The specific markers tested depend on your cancer type, and comprehensive NGS can identify all relevant alterations simultaneously.
Can I request my tissue blocks be sent to a different lab for additional molecular testing?
Yes. You have the right to have your tissue blocks (paraffin-embedded tissue) transferred to another facility for additional testing or a second opinion. Contact the pathology department at the original facility with a written request, including the receiving institution and a valid authorization form. There may be a fee for preparation and shipping. Tissue is finite, so discuss with your oncologist what testing is prioritized.