For Cholangiocarcinoma Patients, Mutations Matter
[Information below has been provided by The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation]
For patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA, also known as bile duct cancer) or other rare cancers, molecular profiling can open the door to additional, personalized treatment options. Be sure to tell your doctor, now, that you’re interested in molecular profiling
Molecular Profiling for Cholangiocarcinoma
No two tumors are exactly alike. Even among people with the same type of cholangiocarcinoma, the cells that make up each person’s tumor have their own unique features—or mutations. These mutations can affect how—or if—the tumor will respond to various treatments.
Although there are few approved treatments for cholangiocarcinoma, there are about 25 known mutations associated with this cancer. Several of these mutations are seen both in CCA and other cancers.
Interestingly, there are treatments that target these mutations being used in other cancers! Researchers have been looking at whether these treatments might also work for people with cholangiocarcinoma.
Molecular profiling is a test your doctor can order to find out which mutations are present in the cells that make up your tumor. If you have a mutation that is also seen in other cancers, molecular profiling could open the door to other treatment options, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and access to clinical trials.
HOW AND WHEN TO BE PROFILED
The Bili Project Foundation and The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation strongly urges early testing for all patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
The best time to be profiled is now, or as soon as possible, as the results can help direct your treatment.
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MOLECULAR PROFILING
Recognizing the value of molecular profiling in a variety of cancers, more and more, insurance companies are covering this testing.
KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR MOLECULAR PROFILING OPTIONS
Download the brochure on why molecular profiling can be an important step in your personalized cancer treatment.
Learn more about why Mutations Matter: https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/mutationsmatter