Office of Precision Medicine at the Mercy Center for Performance Medicine
Precision Medicine Clinic St. Louis
Traditionally, medical treatments have been given with a one-size-fits-all approach. This path can lead to outcomes that are successful for some but not others. Precision medicine is working to change all that.
Instead of looking only at your symptoms, precision medicine examines your genes, environment and lifestyle to paint a greater picture of your overall health.
At Mercy, we're able to identify your risk of developing cancer so you can take action. We also offer personalized care plans to make sure you receive the proper treatment for your body.
Our precision medicine services include:
- Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) – tests for more than 50 types of cancer
- Germline testing – tests for inherited gene mutations that increase your risk for cancer
- Pharmacogenomics – predicts your body's likely response to medication
- Somatic testing – tests a tumor for cancerous cells
- Executive wellness – a suite of personalized, preventive tests that include our MCED, genetic testing and more
Mercy - at the Forefront of Precision Cancer Care
Mercy is excited to be a leader in this emerging field. We're committed to bringing you the best in early detection tests, innovative treatments and better outcomes. By using new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), we're improving your patient experience at every turn.
At Mercy, no two cancer patients receive the same treatment. Our new understanding of genetics allows us to design your care plan specifically to your needs. By analyzing your genetic makeup, we can make a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
One example of this new approach is tumor marker testing. If cancer is present, your body will produce substances known as tumor markers as a response. A tumor marker test measures the amount of these substances to help diagnose and treat cancer. We can also use targeted therapies to treat specific types of cancer cells, such as HER2-positive breast cancer cells.
A hereditary cancer test can tell you if you're more likely to get cancer based on your genes. But precision medicine takes this one step further.
Mercy's Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test is a simple screening that can detect more than 50 kinds of cancer, including aggressive, often fatal, cancers. A single blood sample is taken to look for cancer signals in your bloodstream. If a signal is found, your care team can pinpoint where it's coming from and recommend next steps.
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how your DNA affects your response to certain drug treatments. It's commonly used to help prescribe blood thinners and behavioral health medications.
At Mercy, we're able to study your individual DNA at a molecular level. This helps us predict your body's likely response to medication based on how quickly your individual metabolism can process it, resulting in more accurate dosing and fewer negative side effects. Using pharmacogenomics, we're able to create the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.
Mercy's commitment to preventive care includes our executive wellness exams. These tests are designed to detect any significant changes to your health, so you can live life the way you want. Executive wellness screenings and assessments include:
- Cancer risk assessment and screening
- Cardiac risk assessment
- Functional fitness assessment
- Dietary counseling
- Whole health treatment