The next-generation sequencing test detects tumour DNA and RNA alterations to support and guide customised treatments for patients based on their cancer
OncoExTra test is a next-generation sequencing, DNA and RNA-based genomic test. (Credit: PRNewswire/EXACT SCIENCES CORP)
Exact Sciences has launched the OncoExTra therapy selection test in the US to provide an overall molecular picture of the patient’s cancer.
The US-based molecular diagnostics firm has designed the next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA and RNA-based genomic test to provide actionable results that are customised to each patient.
The OncoExTra test uses next-generation sequencing to evaluate the RNA and DNA of the tumour to inform treatment choices and identify variants that can be missed by evaluating only DNA.
It profiles the transcriptome spanning nearly 20,000 genes as well as the whole exome to support therapy selection for patients with advanced, metastatic, refractory, relapsed, or recurrent cancer.
According to the diagnostic firm, the test also evaluates all National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommended genes and offers intuitive results for patients with solid tumours.
Exact Sciences chairman and CEO Kevin Conroy said: “Exact Sciences continues to build its leadership in cancer diagnostics by offering innovative tests addressing clinical needs at every step of patient cancer care.
“We are proud to add OncoExTra to our growing portfolio of cancer solutions across the cancer-care continuum, and deliver new levels of tumour-specific information and insights to doctors and patients that guide vital treatment decisions to achieve the best outcomes.”
The OncoExTra test is said to reduce false positives and enables doctors to base clinical choices on somatic variants found by using matched tumour-normal sequencing, Exact Sciences said.
As per the diagnostic firm, the test comes under Medicare and clinicians may order it for all advanced solid tumours.
Targetable mutations and fusions, immuno-oncology signatures, and clinical trial alternatives are all covered by the OncoExtra test, Exact Sciences added.
Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) panels and individual stains can be ordered concurrently by healthcare professionals, which gives them access to all actionable tumour data from the company.