NorthShore is a leader in precision medicine. The NorthShore Molecular Pathology Laboratory works to provide oncologists with tumor genomic profiling to identify clinically actionable biomarkers to better direct therapy decisions. Ongoing current prospective and retrospective research studies continue to identify new genetic alterations and associations that may one day provide better prognostic, diagnostic, or therapeutic guidelines. In particular, our Genomics Initiative has successfully identified molecular alterations by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in metastatic cancers that are now eligible for targeted therapies, giving new hope to patients who otherwise may not have treatable tumors.
Our NGS Laboratory is ever-expanding in utility, as we continue to pursue both research and clinical applications such as cell-free DNA testing, microsatellite instability, copy number variants, and more. Additionally, our (NGS) laboratory is supported by an advanced, in-house bioinformatics team which continues to develop new technologies, supportive software, and tools for current patient care and for research purposes.
The NorthShore Molecular Pathology Laboratory also sequences genes involved in drug metabolism, providing patients with individualized guidance to improve medication efficacy and avoid drug toxicity. Ongoing current prospective clinical trials are helping to establish best practices in the realm of pharmacogenomics.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the Molecular Pathology Laboratory at NorthShore University HealthSystem was one of the first laboratories in the Chicagoland area to develop PCR testing for clinical and research use. Data from early infections helped to better characterize SARS-CoV-2 infections especially as it related to pregnancy complications. Ongoing sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome continues to provide information regarding different strains circulating in the United States.
The NorthShore Molecular Pathology Laboratory aims to provide better care for current NorthShore patients while advancing the field of genomics research through interdisciplinary clinical trials and translational research studies.