Reading the structure
Most reports separate confirmed alterations, variants of uncertain significance, signature-level findings and technical quality information.
Report interpretation
A genomic report is a starting point for discussion.
Molecular reports are written for clinicians and often list findings whose relevance depends entirely on the cancer type, stage and treatment history. Interpretation turns a list into a plan.
What it involves
What interpretation covers.
Variants of uncertain significance
These are findings whose meaning is not yet established. They are not evidence of a treatable target and are not evidence of safety either.
Actionability in context
An alteration may be approved-target relevant in one cancer, trial-relevant in another, and of no current treatment relevance in a third.
Germline implications
Some tumour findings raise the possibility of an inherited variant, which is addressed through separate germline testing and genetic counselling.
Technical quality
Low tumour content, degraded samples or incomplete coverage can limit what a report can conclude, which matters when results appear negative.
What happens next
Depending on the findings, discussion may cover standard treatment, targeted options, trial referral, repeat or additional testing, or tumour board review.
This page explains how reports are interpreted. It does not interpret any individual report, confirm eligibility for treatment or replace review by a treating oncologist.
Have a molecular report reviewed by a precision oncology team.
Bring the full report, pathology, recent imaging and your treatment history to make the review complete.