Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test
About Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ctDNA PAN-RAS Liquid Biopsy, Circulating Tumour DNA RAS Mutation Test, Cell-Free DNA KRAS/NRAS Test, Liquid Biopsy RAS Panel |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (collected in Streck Cell-Free DNA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 15 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with metastatic colorectal cancer being evaluated for anti-EGFR therapy; males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹30,000 |
What Is a Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test?
The Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN test is a specialised molecular test that detects cancer-related genetic mutations from a blood sample. It analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which is genetic material shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. The test is primarily ordered for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to guide treatment decisions, particularly before starting anti-EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) targeted therapy.
What Does a Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test Measure?
This test detects mutations in key genes that influence how colorectal tumours behave and respond to targeted treatments. The following components are analysed:
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) | Tiny DNA fragments released into the blood when cells die; includes both normal and tumour-derived DNA |
| Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) | The portion of cfDNA that originates from tumour cells and carries cancer-related mutations |
| KRAS mutations | Changes in the KRAS gene that lock cell growth signals in the "on" position, driving tumour development |
| NRAS mutations | Changes in the NRAS gene that promote tumour growth and prevent normal programmed cell death |
| Mutant allele frequency (MAF) | The proportion of mutant DNA copies in the sample, reflecting tumour burden |
Why Is a Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test Done?
This test is used in oncology settings to assess genetic mutations and guide treatment planning. A doctor may order it for several reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms in a person already diagnosed with colorectal cancer may prompt this test:
- Unexplained or unintended weight loss
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stools
- Abdominal discomfort or cramping
- Ongoing fatigue without a clear cause
- Signs of disease progression during treatment
- Evaluation needed before starting targeted therapy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell test is used to identify and assess the following:
- KRAS and NRAS gene mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
- RAS wild-type status, which may indicate eligibility for anti-EGFR therapy (such as cetuximab or panitumumab)
- Acquired resistance to anti-EGFR treatment during the course of therapy
- Mutations in downstream signalling pathways that indicate therapy resistance
Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Serial testing with this Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell test can detect disease recurrence at a median of 5 months before it appears on imaging scans. Repeat testing during treatment helps oncologists monitor for emerging resistance mutations, assess response to chemotherapy, and identify residual disease after surgery.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test requires minimal preparation, but a few steps help ensure the best sample quality.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You may eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure your sample is collected and processed correctly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and treatment records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your oncologist about all current medications, including any cancer treatments or biological therapies
- Avoid strenuous physical activity before the test, as this may affect circulating DNA levels in the blood
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top to allow easy access to your arm for the blood draw
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during your Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin over a vein in your arm with an antiseptic.
- A needle is used to collect approximately 10 ml of blood into a specialised Streck Cell-Free DNA tube, which preserves ctDNA integrity.
- The collected sample is labelled and stored at the correct temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) before dispatch.
- In the laboratory, the blood is processed through two-stage centrifugation to separate the plasma and remove cells and debris.
- Cell-free DNA is extracted from the plasma for analysis.
- The sample is analysed using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), a highly sensitive method that detects even small quantities of mutant DNA. Results are dispatched within 15 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Type of collection tube used and how quickly the sample is processed after collection
- Storage temperature and handling conditions before laboratory processing
- Low tumour burden, which may result in insufficient ctDNA being shed into the blood
- Presence of lung-only metastases, which are associated with lower ctDNA shedding
- Ongoing chemotherapy or biological therapy, which may alter cfDNA levels
Understanding Your Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test Results
Results are reported as "Mutation Detected" or "No Mutation Detected" for each gene. Your oncologist will interpret these findings alongside imaging studies, tissue biopsy results, and your full clinical history.
| Parameter | Result | Clinical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| KRAS mutation | Not detected (Wild-type) | Patient may be eligible for anti-EGFR therapy |
| KRAS mutation | Detected (Mutant) | Patient is unlikely to respond to anti-EGFR therapy |
| NRAS mutation | Not detected (Wild-type) | Patient may be eligible for anti-EGFR therapy |
| NRAS mutation | Detected (Mutant) | Patient is unlikely to respond to anti-EGFR therapy |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain clinical situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- Patients with lung-only metastases tend to have lower ctDNA shedding into the blood. Agreement between plasma and tissue-based results is approximately 64.5% in this group, so results may need careful clinical review.
- If white blood cells break down between blood collection and plasma processing, they can release normal DNA into the sample, potentially making it harder to detect rare ctDNA molecules.
- Patients with early-stage disease or very small tumours may have lower ctDNA levels, which can reduce test sensitivity.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test measures genetic mutation status rather than a value that can be optimised through lifestyle, the following general steps support overall wellbeing:
- Follow your oncologist's recommended surveillance and repeat-testing schedule throughout treatment
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare team promptly
- Maintain balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to support your body during cancer care
Lupin Diagnostics Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test Price
The Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell test cost starts at ₹30,000 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 30000 |
| Pune | 30000 |
| Bangalore | 30000 |
| Chennai | 30000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for your Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A liquid biopsy requires only a blood draw, whereas a tissue biopsy involves surgically removing a sample of tumour tissue. Studies show high concordance of approximately 91% between blood-based and tissue-based RAS mutation results, making the Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN test a viable, less invasive alternative in many cases.
Patients whose tumours carry KRAS or NRAS mutations are unlikely to benefit from anti-EGFR antibody treatments such as cetuximab or panitumumab. Testing for these mutations before treatment begins helps oncologists select therapies that are more likely to be effective and avoid exposing patients to treatments that will not help them.
Overall agreement between plasma and tissue-based RAS analyses is approximately 86%, with a positive agreement of around 82% and a negative agreement of around 90%. Accuracy tends to be higher in patients who have liver metastases rather than lung-only metastases.
Yes. Serial Cell Free DNA/Circulating tumour DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell test results can identify disease recurrence at a median of 5 months before it is visible on imaging scans. This makes repeat testing a useful tool for monitoring patients who have completed surgery or other treatments.
Blood is collected in a specialised Streck Cell-Free DNA tube. This tube type helps preserve ctDNA integrity and allows extended storage of up to 3 days at room temperature. Using the correct tube and processing the sample promptly are important steps in ensuring reliable results.
Results for this test are available within 15 days. The turnaround time reflects the complexity of the Droplet Digital PCR analysis used to detect mutations at very low concentrations in the blood sample.
A "no mutation detected" result generally means the KRAS and NRAS genes appear to be in their normal (wild-type) form. This may indicate that the patient is a potential candidate for anti-EGFR therapy. However, a negative result does not always rule out mutations, as very low tumour shedding can occasionally lead to a result being missed. Your oncologist will review the findings alongside other clinical information.
Cell Free DNA/Circulating Tumour (Ct) DNA- PAN RAS Liquid Bx. Cell Free PAN Test
