iPLEX® HS Colon Panel: Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

Colorectal cancer is a common and complex condition that needs accurate and detailed testing for the best treatment. The iPLEX® HS Colon Panel is a big help in this area, offering a new way to tackle the specific challenges of testing for this type of cancer.

Extensive Variant Detection for Comprehensive Analysis

The iPLEX® HS Colon Panel detects over 80 clinically relevant variants across several crucial genes, including BRAF, EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, and PIK3CA. This extensive range is essential for a thorough genetic analysis of colorectal cancer, ensuring that clinicians have access to a wide array of genetic information for making informed treatment decisions.

High Sensitivity in Variant Detection

A feature of the iPLEX® HS Colon Panel is its ability to identify variants at as low as 1% variant allele frequency. This high sensitivity is particularly important in colorectal cancer, where somatic mutations might be present in low abundance. By capturing these low-frequency variants, the panel ensures that even the subtlest genetic changes are not overlooked, which can be crucial for tailoring patient-specific treatment strategies.

Minimal DNA Requirement for Testing

One of the practical aspects of the iPLEX® HS Colon Panel is its ability to perform effectively with as little as 10 ng of DNA. This is a significant advantage when dealing with colorectal cancer samples, which are often small in size and have a low percentage of tumor cells. The panel’s efficiency in utilizing minimal DNA not only makes it a versatile tool but also reduces the chances of needing to re-collect samples.

Compatibility with Various Sample Types

Another significant advantage of the iPLEX® HS Colon Panel is its versatility in handling various sample types. This includes challenging samples such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue and cytology blocks, which are commonly used in colorectal cancer diagnostics but often present difficulties due to their degraded nature. The panel’s ability to work effectively with these types of samples makes it a valuable asset in a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Targeted Mutation Analysis

The detailed focus of the iPLEX® HS Colon Panel on specific gene mutations enhances its effectiveness:

• BRAF: The panel targets codons 469 (exon 11), 594, and 600 (exon 15), which are critical sites for mutations that can influence cancer behavior and treatment response.
• EGFR: It includes extracellular domain mutations in exon 12, providing insights into one of the key pathways involved in colorectal cancer.
• KRAS and NRAS: The panel looks at codons 12, 13 (exon 2), 59, 61 (exon 3), 117, and 146 (exon 4). Mutations in these codons are vital in determining the suitability of certain targeted therapies.
• PIK3CA: Focusing on codons 542, 545 (exon 9), and 1047 (exon 20), the panel helps in understanding alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, a crucial aspect of colorectal cancer progression.

Addressing Challenges in Colorectal Cancer Testing

Colorectal cancer samples can be challenging to test due to their small size and the low percentage of tumor cells they contain. Additionally, new testing guidelines that call for expanded RAS and RAF genotyping have increased the demand on already limited specimens. The iPLEX® HS Colon Panel addresses these challenges by efficiently detecting a wide range of variants, even from small and poor-quality samples.

Conclusion

The iPLEX® HS Colon Panel represents a significant advancement in the field of colorectal cancer diagnostics. Its ability to conduct a comprehensive and sensitive analysis with minimal DNA requirements and efficient turnaround time makes it anvaluable tool for laboratories. By providing detailed insights into a wide range of genetic mutations, the panel supports the development of personalized treatment strategies, addressing the complex nature of colorectal cancer and improving patient care outcomes.