Molecular oncology is the study and testing of the genetic and molecular changes inside cancer cells. It is the engine behind modern precision medicine — the detailed testing that tells your oncologist exactly what is driving your cancer and which treatments are most likely to work.

At Indian OncoCare, molecular results are interpreted and applied personally by Dr. Harish Kancharla, DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi), MD (Internal Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh), Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad.

What molecular testing looks for

Using techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), immunohistochemistry (IHC), FISH and PCR, molecular testing identifies:

Gene mutations (for example EGFR, KRAS, BRAF)
Gene fusions and rearrangements (such as ALK or ROS1)
Protein markers such as HER2 and PD-L1
Features such as microsatellite instability (MSI)

These findings define the tumour’s biology far beyond what the microscope alone can show.

How it guides your treatment

Each finding points to an action. A driver mutation may indicate a matched targeted therapy; PD-L1 or MSI may point to immunotherapy; other markers may confirm that standard chemotherapy is the best route. This is the core of precision medicine. Testing can be done on tumour tissue or, in some situations, on blood through a liquid biopsy.

Why choose Indian OncoCare

A molecular report is only useful when it is interpreted correctly and acted on. Dr. Harish Kancharla, DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi), MD (Internal Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh) translates these results into a practical treatment plan, delivered through Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. Learn more about precision medicine, liquid biopsy and cancer genetic testing.

Support for patients and families

A cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, and practical support matters as much as medical treatment. Our patient support resources help you prepare for consultations and understand each step, while our financial guidance can help you understand treatment costs and the insurance or assistance options that may be available.

You can find more guidance and checklists in our patient resources section. Patients travelling from outside Hyderabad or from abroad usually begin with an online consultation before continuing in person — see our international patients page for how this is coordinated.

Frequently asked questions

Is molecular testing the same as genetic testing?

Not quite. Molecular (biomarker) testing looks at changes in the tumour to guide treatment; inherited genetic testing looks at changes you were born with that affect risk. Both can be useful.

Do I need a new biopsy?

Usually testing is done on your existing tumour block. Sometimes a blood-based liquid biopsy is an alternative.

How long do results take?

It varies by test; NGS panels typically take one to a few weeks. Your oncologist plans treatment with this in mind.

Who interprets the results?

Dr. Harish Kancharla, DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi), MD (Internal Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh) interprets the molecular findings and plans treatment personally.