A newly available comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) kit could expand personalized cancer research access to private laboratories worldwide, according to Roche, which developed the kit in conjunction with its Foundation Medicine subsidiary.
The AVENIO Tumor Tissue CGP Kit, a research use-only, next-generation sequencing test configured for running 24 samples, can provide results in 5 days and will allow laboratories to expand in-house oncology research initiatives, says Roche.
“This is the first time that research scientists can conduct oncology research with Foundation Medicine’s comprehensive genomic profiling in their own laboratories to gain meaningful genomic insights and deepen their understanding of cancer biology,” the company said in a press release. The kit will be available in regions throughout the world including Europe, North America, Asia, and South America.
This is a “first step in bringing CGP closer to people living with cancer,” the company added. “Ultimately, a future version of the kit may lead to additional resources for clinicians to use in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”
The kit is designed to analyze 324 cancer-related genes across four main classes of genomic alterations and signatures that “cause and drive cancer.”
“These genes provide valuable insights on biomarkers known today and emerging biomarkers of tomorrow,” the company stated, noting that tests like this can also provide information on tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and loss of heterozygosity.
Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker further emphasized the value of more widespread testing access: “To treat cancer effectively, we must understand what drives it at a molecular level. CGP helps inform decisions about available treatment options, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, tumor-agnostic treatments, and clinical trial participation, based on the unique genomic profile of a patient’s tumor,” he said.
Sharon Worcester is an award-winning medical journalist at MDedge News, part of the Medscape Professional Network.
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