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

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