Glioblastoma Patients Can Request Genomic Testing on Their Tumor Tissue

When a neurosurgeon removes a glioblastoma, the tumor tissue goes to pathology for testing and storage. But patients may not realize they can have a say in what happens to it next, according to Gita Kwatra, PharmD, MBA, co-founder and CEO of the Glioblastoma Foundation.

“One thing that patients don’t understand sometimes, which is so important … during surgery, the neurosurgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible, and then they take it straight to pathology for testing and preservation,” Kwatra said in an interview with CURE. “That tumor that they take out of the patient, it belongs to the patient.”

Why is genomic testing important for glioblastoma?

Every glioblastoma is different at the molecular level, and the standard of care of surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy has changed little in two decades. Genomic testing looks at a tumor’s molecular features, which can help confirm a diagnosis, inform prognosis and match patients with targeted treatments or clinical trials.

The Glioblastoma Foundation recently began accepting patient samples at GlioLab, its genomic testing laboratory, starting with whole genome DNA methylation profiling. The foundation plans to add comprehensive genomic profiling and fusion detection testing in mid-2027.

Can patients ask for genomic testing on their tumor?

Kwatra stressed that patients often need to start the conversation themselves.

“Patients can ask for this testing, and that’s what we can work with them to get this testing done,” she said. “The doctor must put in the order for these tests, but the patient needs to be part of that conversation.”

Who receives the test results?

Because patients with glioblastoma often see several specialists, the foundation asks each patient to sign a consent form allowing results to be released to any member of their treatment team. That way, results can reach the neuro-oncologist even if the neurosurgeon placed the order. The lab aims to return results to the treating physician within seven to 14 business days.

Questions to ask your care team about glioblastoma testing

• Was my tumor tissue saved, and where is it stored?
• Has it been tested for biomarkers such as IDH and MGMT?
• Would more advanced genomic testing help clarify my diagnosis or treatment options?
• Who will receive the results, and when?

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