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
Preferred: Tissue Block
Acceptable: Tissue Slides
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed:
Performed weekly; Varies
Analytic Time:
12 days
brentwestra
Brent Westra is a Marketing Segment Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. He leads marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing along with new media innovations. Brent has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2011.
