Head & Neck Cancer

WHAT IS DNA ONCONEX ?

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common cancer globally, accounting for more than 660,000 new cases and 325,000 deaths annually 1

DNAOncoNex is a comprehensive targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) assay for 125 genes associated with head & neck cancers. NGS assay offers identification of numerous novel genetic aberrations and associated potential therapeutic targets in many cancers.

  • Offers insights into the molecular underpinnings of the associated tumour mutation genes.
  • With targeted therapies becoming the new standard of care in oncology, this NGS-driven diagnostics approach provides the choice of therapy to optimize patient outcomes in the future.

WHY NGS FOR HEAD & NECK CANCER ?

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise from the squamous epithelium of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. More than 90% of tumours in the head and neck are squamous carcinomas.

  • Complex chromosomal changes and gene copy number alterations are present across the spectrum of HNSCC and are evident in premalignant disease.
  • Tumour Biomarkers can characterise the diversity of the cancer, and perhaps point to gene targets for use in targeted and personalised medicine.
  • NGS enables massively parallel sequencing for a large number of genes with accurate reads while being relatively inexpensive.

CLINICAL UTILITY:

  • Identify Driver Mutations - mutation in the DNA Sequence that cause cells to become cancers , grow & spread in body
  • Drug profiling for Chemotherapy & Targeted Drugs
  • Predictive genomic biomarker identification to guide the therapeutic process
  • The targeted NGS panel offers wide coverage and in-depth analysis to detect the known and novel variants
  • The multigene approach reduces the time for diagnosis providing a more economical solution.

MAPMYGENOME OFFERINGS

  • Major emphasis on ~125 cancer genes associated - Head & neck.
  • Screening for clinically significant genes based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
  • Genetic counselling to guide through the report and discuss the available management & treatment options in case of clinical findings.
  • Reporting - Pathogenic and Likely Pathogenic Variants are reported following the ACMG recommended guidelines.
  • Best in class Bioinformatics pipeline for the most accurate analysis by our experienced Bioinformatics team.

TEST SPECIFICATIONS


Technique Coverage Variant types TAT Sample requirements
NGS 800 - 1000X SNV 3 - 4 weeks FFPE (Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded) Sample - Somatic cases, Blood Sample - Germline cases

REFERENCES

  1. Gormley, M., Creaney, G., Schache, A. et al. Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors. Br Dent J 233, 780–786 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5166-x