- UofL Health’s Brown Cancer Center launches FDA-approved assay for solid tumor testing.
- The Illumina TruSightTM Oncology Comprehensive test analyzes tumor DNA and RNA.
- Test can detect over 500 DNA variants and 24 RNA fusions for personalized therapy.
- Efficiency of the TSO Comprehensive assay minimizes wait times for patients.
- Advanced technology allows a better match between patients and available clinical trials.
UofL Health Launches Groundbreaking Cancer Testing Facility
UofL Health’s Brown Cancer Center has made history as the first facility in the United States to introduce an FDA-approved assay specifically for solid tumor testing. This innovative test, called Illumina TruSightTM Oncology (TSO) Comprehensive, marks a significant step forward in cancer care. It’s performed at UofL Health’s highly specialized Next Generation Sequencing Lab, which makes it particularly convenient for patients seeking advanced treatment options.
Advanced Technology Enhances Personalized Cancer Treatment
The Illumina TSO Comprehensive assay offers a significant advancement in cancer diagnostics by scanning tumor samples for mutations. It examines both DNA and RNA, which helps in aligning patients with the most effective therapies and clinical trials available. Dr. Jason Chesney, the director of the Brown Cancer Center, expressed optimism about the prospects of tailored therapy plans emerging from this deeper diagnostic capability, remarking on the significant depth of expertise available within his team.
Efficiency and Speed in Cancer Diagnosis
One of the key advantages of this newly introduced assay is its efficiency; it can analyze a small amount of tumor tissue and detect over 500 DNA variants alongside 24 RNA fusions. Dr. Mustafa Al-Kawaaz highlighted how the TSO Comprehensive test allows medical teams to provide more rapid and precise therapeutic decisions, which is crucial for improving patient care. Additionally, minimizing wait times from diagnosis to treatment can greatly alleviate patient anxiety, according to Dr. Emily Volk.
In summary, the UofL Health Brown Cancer Center has pioneered a transformative approach to cancer diagnosis with the introduction of the TSO Comprehensive assay, enhancing the precision of treatment plans for patients. This FDA-approved test enables detailed analysis while minimizing the time from diagnosis to therapy initiation. The facility’s commitment to innovative cancer care sets a new benchmark for comprehensive oncology services in the United States.
