“As a member, my experience with the Kadance Hereditary Cancer Risk Test has been truly life-changing. My husband and I were particularly interested in the genetic testing component, and we ultimately decided to enroll, as it was offered through my employer. We reasoned that knowing our risks could empower us with information to safeguard our family’s health in the future.
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During our genetic counseling sessions, we received unexpected news: both my husband and I carry a rare recessive mutation that can heighten the risk of colon cancer. While we individually are not impacted, there is a 1 in 4 chance that our children could have inherited the mutation from both of us—this revelation was sobering. Because we are now armed with this knowledge, our children can eventually undergo testing when they reach adulthood to determine their own genetic status. If they inherited both copies of the gene, they can take proactive measures, such as earlier screenings, to mitigate their risk of developing colon cancer.

I am immensely grateful for this program and the Kadance Hereditary Cancer Risk Test provided. This test has illustrated our family’s genetics, and we now have the information needed to potentially save our children from the uncertainty and devastation of colon cancer in the years to come. It’s reassuring to know that because of this benefit, we have taken a proactive step towards securing our family’s health and well-being.”
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JESSICA

Hereditary Cancer Risk

Kirsten had never heard of a “molecular tumor profile” before she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in January 2023. But today, the 71-year-old grandmother of four can tell you exactly how it saved her life.
Molecular tumor profiling (also known as genomic testing and mutational testing) refers to tests that analyze cancer cells. They look for DNA changes known to cause cancer.

Kirsten’s oncologist recommended ordering a molecular tumor profile, and they waited for the results before choosing her treatments. The tests showed Kirsten was eligible for a treatment called immunotherapy, which helps the body’s immune system destroy cancer cells. So, her oncologist prescribed an immunotherapy drug approved to treat Kirsten’s specific type of lung cancer: advanced, non-small cell lung cancer.

Unfortunately, the drug caused unbearable side effects; Kirsten had to stop taking it. But that’s when she learned about another treatment option that had just become available — and was also a match to her cancer’s genetic makeup.

“We knew from my test results that my tumor contained a gene mutation called a KRAS mutation,” Kirsten says. “It turns out we could target it with a brand new drug that had just been approved. Not only does it treat my type of lung cancer, but it also treats my specific mutation.”

Kirsten started taking the new drug in August 2023. It’s a kind of medicine known as targeted therapy, meaning it identified and attacked the mutation that caused her lung cancer cells to multiply. Her first imaging scan after starting the drug showed her tumor was shrinking. And her next scan, roughly three months later, showed no evidence of cancer.

“Kirsten’s experience illustrates why molecular testing is so important,” says Marianne Gault, MSN, BS, RN, OCN, Head of Clinical Services at Kadance. “She was very fortunate to have access to this type of advanced testing, because many traditional health insurance plans still won’t pay for it. That’s why it’s important have our Kadance program, which covers molecular testing in full.”

Today, Kirsten says she feels like her old self again. She and her husband are enjoying retirement, and spending as much time as possible with their family. And although she’ll likely need to take the targeted therapy drug for the rest of her life, it’s simply a daily reminder of the benefits of precision medicine.

Kirsten

Targeted Cancer Treatment

"The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) had an opportunity to talk to the doctor, and he went through everything. And it was interesting because the ONN would say, “Hey, Bill, do you remember you wanted to ask this?” And I asked that question. And so, when I came out of there, there was nothing that I had forgotten, and we went through the whole process. And as it turned out, I was very fortunate.

"I had a very slow-growing minute amount of cancer. And the doctor said, “Look, from my perspective, you don't need treatment right now. I'm going to put you on an aggressive monitoring program with that type of cancer that you have. Now, if something changes, we know what to do, so don't worry about anything. We will monitor this, and if something gets more aggressive, we know exactly what to do.

"So, I walked out of there and said, “I can't believe this.” Having cancer is one of the worst fears, but I came out of there pretty confident that everything's going to be okay. So that process, to me, was absolutely invaluable. Getting in to see the best guy in the area, having someone at my side to go through this with that. I'm single. I had nobody else really to go through it with me. So, she became a real confidant through that process.

"It was an awesome experience. So, I'm very, very blessed. But that's the type of stuff when I think of the value of Kadance as I'm talking to companies about it. Hey, don't you want your best clients to have access to the best service, the best diagnostic process, (and) the best treatments? Why wouldn't you want your clients to have Kadance in their back pocket? Because if you're going to get cancer, you want Kadance as a product, you want Kadance as a service, you want Kadance as your friend in going through that cancer process."