NGS Test for Cancer: Insights by Dr. Pratik Patil
Cancer care has changed rapidly over the last decade. Earlier, treatment decisions were mostly based on the location and stage of the tumor. Today, doctors go much deeper — right down to the genetic level of cancer cells. One of the most important tools in this shift toward personalized treatment is the NGS test.
In this article, we share detailed insights about NGS testing in cancer and how it helps in better treatment planning.
What Is an NGS Test?
NGS stands for Next-Generation Sequencing. It is an advanced genetic test that studies multiple genes in a cancer sample at the same time. Instead of testing one mutation after another, NGS analyzes hundreds of genes together to identify specific changes driving cancer growth.
These genetic changes are often called “mutations” or “biomarkers.” By identifying them, doctors can understand why a tumor is behaving aggressively, why it is not responding to standard therapy, or which targeted treatment may work best.
This test is increasingly recommended by the best oncologist in Pune when a patient has advanced, recurrent, or treatment-resistant cancer.
Why NGS Testing Is Important in Modern Cancer Care
Every cancer is unique. Even two patients with the same type of cancer may have completely different genetic patterns. That is why personalized medicine has become so important.
NGS testing helps doctors:
Identify targetable mutations
Select appropriate targeted therapy
Avoid unnecessary treatments
Predict response to certain drugs
Plan long-term treatment strategies
For example, in Breast Cancer Treatment in Pune, NGS testing may help identify HER2 mutations or other genetic changes that influence therapy decisions. This ensures that treatment is not just standard — but specific to the patient.
When Do Doctors Recommend NGS Testing?
NGS testing is usually advised in the following situations:
Advanced or metastatic cancers
Cancer not responding to chemotherapy
Rare or aggressive tumor types
Recurrent cancer after initial treatment
When considering immunotherapy
An experienced Cancer Specialist in Kondhwa, Pune may suggest NGS when conventional treatments are not giving the desired results. Similarly, patients consulting a Cancer Specialist in Hadapsar for complex cases may benefit from this advanced testing approach.
How Is the NGS Test Done?
The test is usually performed on:
A biopsy tissue sample
A surgical tumor sample
In some cases, a blood sample (liquid biopsy)
The collected sample is sent to a specialized laboratory where advanced sequencing machines analyze the genetic material. The final report may take a couple of weeks and provides detailed information about mutations and possible treatment options.
A Chemotherapy specialist in PCMC may review this report carefully before modifying or planning further treatment.
Role of NGS in Different Types of Cancer
1. Breast Cancer
In breast cancer cases, NGS testing can identify mutations that may not be detected in routine tests. This helps in choosing targeted therapy or deciding whether immunotherapy could help. Patients seeking Breast Cancer Treatment in Pune often benefit from this personalized approach, especially in advanced stages.
2. Esophageal Cancer
An Esophagus Cancer Doctor may recommend NGS testing when standard treatment options are limited. Certain genetic markers can help guide immunotherapy or targeted drug selection in esophageal cancer.
3. Kidney Cancer
A Kidney Cancer Doctor may use NGS reports to determine whether specific targeted drugs will be effective. Kidney cancers often show unique genetic alterations, and understanding them improves precision in treatment.
4. Other Solid Tumors
Patients consulting a Cancer Specialist in Shivajinagar, Pune or a Cancer Specialist in Kharadi, Pune for lung, colorectal, or other solid tumors may also be advised to undergo NGS testing to refine treatment decisions.
Does NGS Replace Chemotherapy?
This is a common question. The answer is no.
NGS testing does not replace chemotherapy, but it helps doctors decide whether chemotherapy is the best option or if targeted therapy would work better. In many cases, both approaches are combined for improved outcomes.
A Chemotherapy specialist in PCMC may use NGS findings to adjust drug combinations or avoid medicines that are unlikely to work.
Benefits of NGS Testing
NGS testing offers several advantages:
More precise treatment planning
Reduced trial-and-error approach
Better understanding of aggressive cancers
Identification of clinical trial options
Improved survival in selected cases
When guided by the best oncologist in Pune, NGS testing becomes a powerful decision-making tool rather than just another laboratory report.
Are There Any Limitations?
While NGS testing is highly advanced, it is not required for every patient. In early-stage cancers where surgery alone may be curative, NGS may not be necessary.
Also, not every mutation found in the test has an available targeted drug. However, cancer research is advancing rapidly, and new treatments are being developed continuously.
A skilled Cancer Specialist in Hadapsar or Cancer Specialist in Kondhwa will carefully assess whether the test is appropriate before recommending it.
Cost and Accessibility
NGS testing can be more expensive than routine tests, but its long-term value lies in avoiding ineffective treatments. Many cancer centers now guide patients regarding insurance support and financial counseling.
With the availability of specialized oncology services across Pune, including areas like Shivajinagar and Kharadi, patients have easier access to advanced diagnostic tools like NGS.
Expert Insight
According to Dr. Pratik Patil, NGS testing represents the future of cancer care. Instead of treating cancer based only on location, modern oncology focuses on the biology of the tumor.
He emphasizes that personalized treatment improves outcomes and reduces unnecessary side effects. Whether a patient is consulting for breast, kidney, or esophageal cancer, genetic understanding plays a key role in modern therapy decisions.
Conclusion
NGS testing has transformed the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. By studying the genetic makeup of tumors, doctors can design highly personalized treatment strategies. It does not replace traditional therapies but enhances decision-making and improves precision.
If you or a loved one is facing cancer, discussing NGS testing with an experienced oncologist may open new possibilities in treatment planning. Personalized care is no longer a future concept — it is today’s reality.
