RAS/RAF Targeted Gene Panel by Next Generation Sequencing, Tumor [A Test in Focus]

• RAFSP — RAS/RAF Targeted Gene Panel by Next Generation Sequencing, Tumor

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• This test uses targeted next generation sequencing to evaluate for somatic mutations within the BRAF, HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS genes associated with cancer.
• Next generation sequencing has recently emerged as an accurate, cost-effective method to identify gene mutations known to be associated with response or resistance to specific targeted therapies.
• Targeted cancer therapies are antibody or small molecule drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific cell molecules involved in tumor growth and progression.

How to Use This Test

• To assist in drug selection for patients with solid tumors by identifying specific mutations within genes known to be associated with response or resistance to specific cancer therapies
• To simultaneously assess multiple genes of the EGFR pathway
• To determine prognosis for patients with solid tumors

• Targeted therapies directed to EGFR, which inhibit activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway, have demonstrated some success with increased progression-free and overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer.
• Assessment for BRAF mutations has clinical utility in that it is a predictor of response to anti-BRAF therapy and anti-MEK therapy in melanoma.
• Effectiveness of targeted therapies depends in part on the mutation status of the pathway components.

•  PCR-Based Next Generation Sequencing

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed:

• Performed weekly; Varies

Analytic Time:

• 12 days