Pulmonology

Overview

Minagene's Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Panel is a specialized genetic test designed to provide comprehensive genetic information for precise diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment selection in patients with NSCLC. This panel utilizes cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze key genes and genetic alterations associated with NSCLC, enabling clinicians to make informed treatment decisions and optimize patient outcomes.

Methodology

The NSCLC Panel

The NSCLC Panel utilizes NGS-based targeted sequencing to analyze DNA or RNA extracted from tumor samples of NSCLC patients. The panel covers a wide range of genes known to be involved in NSCLC development and progression, including driver mutations, gene fusions, copy number variations (CNVs), and other genetic alterations. By assessing the genetic landscape of NSCLC, the panel provides a comprehensive genetic profile that guides personalized management strategies.

Key Highlights of the Test:

Key Highlights of the Test:

-Comprehensive Genetic Evaluation: The NSCLC Panel offers a comprehensive evaluation of genetic alterations associated with NSCLC. It analyzes key genes involved in NSCLC development, including EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, BRAF, and many others, allowing for a detailed genetic profile of the tumor. This information aids in accurate diagnosis, subtyping, and identification of potential therapeutic targets.

-Personalized Treatment Selection: By identifying actionable genetic alterations, the panel facilitates personalized treatment selection. It helps identify patients who are likely to benefit from targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or clinical trials based on their specific genetic profile. This approach improves treatment response rates and overall patient outcomes.

-Prognostic Insights: The NSCLC Panel provides valuable prognostic insights by assessing genetic alterations associated with disease aggressiveness and patient prognosis. The identification of high-risk genetic markers guides clinicians in tailoring treatment strategies, including the intensity and duration of therapy, to optimize patient outcomes.

-Resistance Mechanism Detection: The panel aids in detecting genetic alterations associated with resistance to targeted therapies commonly used in NSCLC. By identifying these resistance mechanisms, clinicians can make timely treatment adjustments, explore alternative treatment options, or consider combination therapies to overcome drug resistance.

-Monitoring Treatment Response: Serial analysis using the NSCLC Panel enables the monitoring of treatment response over time. By tracking changes in the genetic profile, clinicians can assess treatment efficacy, detect emerging resistance mechanisms, and guide treatment modifications for optimal disease control.

When to Consider This Test:

-NSCLC Diagnosis: The NSCLC Panel is recommended for patients with suspected or newly diagnosed NSCLC. It aids in precise diagnosis, subtyping, and identification of genetic alterations that guide treatment decisions.

-Treatment Decision-Making: The test assists in treatment decision-making by identifying actionable genetic alterations that guide targeted therapy selection. It helps identify patients who may benefit from specific targeted agents, immunotherapies, or clinical trials based on their genetic profile.

-Prognostic Assessment: The panel provides prognostic information by assessing genetic alterations associated with disease aggressiveness and patient prognosis. This information helps clinicians in risk stratification and treatment planning.

-Resistance Mechanism Detection: The panel aids in detecting genetic alterations associated with resistance to targeted therapies. It guides treatment adjustments and exploration of alternative treatment options to overcome drug resistance.

-Treatment Response Monitoring: Serial testing using the NSCLC Panel enables the monitoring of treatment response and the detection of emerging resistance mechanisms. This information guides treatment adjustments and ensures optimal disease control.

Overview

Minagene's EGFR Gene Testing is a specialized genetic analysis designed to identify mutations within the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene in patients with lung cancer. This comprehensive testing approach utilizes state-of-the-art techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and other molecular methodologies, to detect EGFR mutations. By providing valuable genetic insights, this test aids in personalized treatment decision-making, particularly in the context of targeted therapies for lung cancer.

Methodology

he EGFR Gene Testing

The EGFR Gene Testing employs NGS technology to analyze the DNA extracted from tumor samples or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This approach allows for the detection of various EGFR mutations, including exon 19 deletions, exon 21 L858R point mutations, and other less common alterations. The test also assesses the presence of EGFR T790M mutation, which is associated with resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Key Highlights of the Test:

Key Highlights of the Test:

-Detection of EGFR Mutations: The EGFR Gene Testing identifies mutations within the EGFR gene, providing crucial information about the genetic profile of the tumor. It enables the detection of common activating mutations, such as exon 19 deletions and exon 21 L858R point mutations, as well as less common alterations within the EGFR gene.

-Personalized Treatment Selection: By identifying EGFR mutations, the test helps guide personalized treatment decisions, particularly in the context of targeted therapies for lung cancer. Patients with EGFR mutations may be candidates for EGFR TKIs, which have shown efficacy in this specific molecular subtype of lung cancer.

-Resistance Mechanism Assessment: The EGFR Gene Testing also assesses the presence of the EGFR T790M mutation, which is associated with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs. Detection of this mutation is crucial for identifying patients who may benefit from alternative treatment strategies, such as third-generation EGFR TKIs or combination therapies.

-Monitoring Treatment Response: The test can be utilized to monitor treatment response and disease progression by detecting changes in EGFR mutation status over time. This enables physicians to assess treatment efficacy, identify emerging resistance mechanisms, and make informed decisions regarding treatment adjustments.

When to Consider This Test:

-Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer: The EGFR Gene Testing should be considered in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer, particularly those with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as EGFR mutations are more prevalent in this subtype. Identifying EGFR mutations at the time of diagnosis helps guide treatment decisions and optimize therapy for improved patient outcomes.

-Targeted Therapy Selection: The test is essential for selecting the most appropriate targeted therapy for patients with lung cancer harboring EGFR mutations. Positive EGFR mutation status is a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of EGFR TKIs, allowing for personalized treatment selection and optimization.

-Treatment Resistance Evaluation: In patients who initially respond to EGFR TKIs but later develop resistance, the EGFR Gene Testing can identify the EGFR T790M mutation, which is a common mechanism of acquired resistance. Detecting this mutation helps guide the selection of alternative treatment options to overcome resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

-Disease Progression Monitoring: The test can be used to monitor disease progression and treatment response over time. Serial testing enables the detection of emerging resistance mechanisms, guiding treatment adjustments and optimizing long-term management.