Molecular diagnostics maker Biocept has launched a new multi-gene liquid biopsy test called Target Selector NGS Lung Panel, for the detection of lung cancer.
The company’s Target Selector liquid biopsy platform is designed to capture and analyse tumour-associated molecular markers in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and plasma (ctDNA).
Physicians and researchers can use the new NGS Lung Panel to identify and monitor actionable biomarkers related to lung cancer.
The panel runs on the Ion Torrent next generation sequencing (NGS) platform by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Biocept said that the product integrates its laboratory and commercial infrastructure, blood sample preservation and DNA/RNA isolation expertise with Thermo Fisher’s NGS panel and informatics technology dubbed Oncomine.
Target Selector NGS Lung Panel includes biomarkers that are frequently used to make treatment decisions for cancer patients. It also features Thermo Fisher’s Oncomine Knowledge Reporter.
Biocept president and CEO Michael Nall said: “This new solution makes Biocept the only commercial liquid biopsy company that can offer customers the flexibility to order either a customised single biomarker assay or a larger NGS-based liquid biopsy test panel for use when more comprehensive testing is desired.
“This new offering complements our existing Target Selector testing platform, which focuses on delivering actionable and cost-effective biomarker information to address needs of physicians, healthcare systems and payors as they develop personalised treatment protocols for patients diagnosed with cancer.”
Lung cancer is known to be the primary cause of cancer-related death in the US, with an estimated 155,870 deaths in 2017.
According to Biocept, clinical utility of liquid biopsy to obtain molecular information associated with the cancer can offer an effective approach for oncologists to select targeted treatments.
In July 2017, the company introduced a Target Selector platform-based liquid biopsy progesterone receptor (PR) test to detect and monitor select biomarkers in breast cancer patients.
