NGS-based test launched in Bengaluru to detect cancer recurrence

Bengaluru: A Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based tumour-informed Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) test has been launched in Bengaluru to help oncologists detect cancer recurrence earlier.The test detects circulating tumour DNA in the bloodstream by creating a customised molecular profile from an initial tissue and blood sample. Subsequent monitoring requires only a standard blood draw, allowing doctors to assess the risk of recurrence.“In a few patients, during biopsy and other tests, if certain features are noted, then we can conclude that cancer will recur. But in another set of patients, it becomes hard to find the red flags and, to avoid the risk, chemotherapy gets prescribed,” said Dr Rajeev Vijayakumar, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology.25 years later, 9/11 dust still making people sick: Ground Zero cancer cases up by 75% in 3 years“With the new technology, we can see the specifically sequenced DNA circulating in the bloodstream. It means it was released by a dying cancer cell about 8-9 hours ago, which means cancer cells are present in the body and chemotherapy can be prescribed,” he added.Dr Vedam Ramaprasad, geneticist and developer of the technology, said NGS could detect cancer at a much earlier stage than conventional imaging.“The existing PET scan can identify recurring cancer only after cancer cells have developed over time. The NGS test can detect 10 cancer cells per million cells, whereas a PET scan requires at least 1,000 cancer cells per million to detect them,” he said.However, he noted that PET scans remain useful in locating areas where cancer cells are present and growing.Doctors said treatment decisions are increasingly based on genetic information, which can help determine the use of medications, immunotherapy and chemotherapy.“We can actively use technology and AI with DNA sequencing information to develop drugs and therapies. We already have medications for some gene mutations. The only challenge is that new drugs take at least five years to be approved,” said Dr Vinayak Maka, Professor of Medical Oncology.

Source: Deccan Herald