llumina, a genomics company, has announced the launch of a new generation of its liquid biopsy assay, TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO 500) ctDNA v2, for the genomic profiling of solid tumors. This assay represents an advancement in the field of cancer diagnostics and research.
Summary of the Article:
Enhanced Features: The new version of the TSO 500 ctDNA assay offers faster molecular analysis, greater analytical sensitivity, and a more streamlined workflow compared to its predecessor.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP): The assay is designed for CGP of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from blood samples. It is particularly useful when tissue testing is not feasible or to complement tissue-based testing. The assay identifies key variants critical for cancer development and progression.
Improved Workflow and Sensitivity: Illumina has reduced the library preparation time to a single day and cut the total turnaround time to less than four days, which is significantly faster than most ctDNA CGP assays. The assay also requires lower cell-free DNA (cfDNA) input, enhancing its sensitivity.
Automation and Early Access: Automation-enabled kits for the TSO 500 ctDNA v2 assay will be available in the first half of 2024. Currently, nine institutions are participating in Illumina’s global early-access customer program to trial this new assay.
Expert Endorsement: Giancarlo Pruneri, a professor of pathology, noted the increased assay sensitivity in preliminary testing, which could potentially broaden the utility of liquid biopsy testing.
Insights:
- Advancing Cancer Diagnostics: The development of the TSO 500 ctDNA v2 assay marks a significant step forward in the field of cancer diagnostics, offering a more efficient and sensitive method for detecting and analyzing tumor DNA.
- Liquid Biopsy’s Growing Role: This advancement underscores the growing importance of liquid biopsy in cancer research and diagnostics, providing a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies.
- Future of Personalized Medicine: The enhanced capabilities of the TSO 500 ctDNA v2 assay align with the broader trend towards personalized medicine, where detailed genomic profiling enables more targeted and effective cancer treatments.