Advanced Techniques

doctor holding a tablet with abstract transparent medical and genetic icons overlaid on top

The MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Hereditary Cancer Clinic offers the highest quality, most advanced cancer screening tests and treatments available today. Our team of genetic experts and nurses uses state-of-the-art technology and procedures to determine your unique risk for all types of inherited cancers. Our oncology specialists will help you understand your cancer risk, explore your genetic testing options, and develop a comprehensive action plan to prevent or treat your hereditary cancer.

Liquid Biopsy of Circulating DNA

The Hollings Hereditary Cancer Clinic is proud to offer patients with certain cancers access to a cutting-edge technology for assessing circulating DNA — commonly called a “liquid biopsy.” Research shows that tumors release small pieces of DNA into the bloodstream. Testing a blood sample for circulating DNA lets our team detect cancer cells and other cancer biomarkers in your bloodstream to determine, in real time, how well your treatment is working.

These tests also allow us to better identify your cancer and learn more about its specific characteristics that can guide next-step decisions in your personalized care plan. Evaluating for circulating DNA and associated cancer biomarkers allow us to target treatments to your specific type of cancer and identify any cancer recurrence at the earliest stages. Researchers are working every day to increase the effective use of circulating DNA testing and our ability to identify cancer types and stages quickly to help us develop a customized treatment plan for you.

High Risk Breast Cancer Program

This program provides comprehensive, specialized services for people who are at high risk of breast cancer and need individualized screening. This increased risk may be due to a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, but can also result from other risk factors such as having atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), or a first child after age 35.

Specialists in our High Risk Breast Cancer Program coordinate with our genetic counseling and testing programs to ensure each person understands their risk and has an individualized plan for screening, management, and coordinated care. This type of personalized care is designed to minimize your risk through prevention, early diagnosis, and customized treatment.