doctor explaining breast cancer
Oncology

Simplifying breast cancer advances

Your partner for biomarker detection and research

Breast cancer is the world’s most prevalent cancer, with 2.3 million women diagnosed in 20201. It is a complex group of tumors with diverse histology and molecular signatures. Some genomic alterations in breast cancer are clinically actionable with targeted therapies. Understanding these biomarkers, and then developing therapies that target them, is key to improving diagnosis and treatment. Our comprehensive solutions simplify your breast cancer biomarker advances.

Dr. Fergus Couch, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and the Center for Individualized Medicine, investigates the role of gene mutations in breast and pancreatic cancers using a QIAseq panel.
PCR and NGS diagrams

PCR - Detection of mutations in specific genes using allele-specific technology.

NGS - Digital sequencing of many genes using UMIs** to enhance sensitivity.

Types and techniques of biomarker testing

Molecular testing is now a standard part of the clinical management of breast cancer patients, with different types of testing important dependent on the patient and breast cancer stage2. Two important techniques to interrogate the hereditary risk of breast cancer, or the molecular signatures of breast cancer tumors, are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). PCR-based methods offer a targeted approach with rapid results, while NGS assays provide a broader assessment of more genes.

Expert webinar

In this on-demand webinar, Dr. Lawrence Weiss, Chief Medical Officer, NeoGenomics, discusses his experience using qPCR in breast cancer.

Dr. Lawrence Weiss profile image

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer. Accessed: Sept 13, 2021.

2. Litton, J.K., Burstein, H.J., Turner, N.C. (2019) Molecular Testing in Breast Cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2019 Jan;39:e1-e7. doi: 10.1200/EDBK_237715.