Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test
About Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Liquid Biopsy Breast Mini Panel, ctDNA Breast Cancer Gene Panel, Circulating Tumour DNA Breast Panel |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (Streck tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 20 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with breast cancer, particularly metastatic or advanced breast cancer; patients where tissue biopsy is not possible |
| Price | Starting at ₹40,000 |
What Is a Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test?
The Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test is a blood-based genetic test that analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. It examines 41 genes relevant to breast cancer to help guide treatment decisions. The test uses next-generation sequencing (NGS), a technology that reads DNA in detail, and requires only a peripheral blood sample collected into a special Streck tube. It is also known as the Liquid Biopsy Breast Mini Panel or ctDNA Breast Cancer Gene Panel.
What Does a Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Measure?
This panel analyses 41 genes associated with breast cancer pathways and targeted therapy selection. The genes examined are listed below:
| Gene | Relevance to Breast Cancer |
|---|---|
| AKT1 | Involved in cell growth and survival; mutations may guide AKT inhibitor therapy |
| ALK | Rearrangements studied in inflammatory and triple-negative breast cancer |
| AR (Androgen Receptor) | Expressed in 50% to 90% of breast tumours depending on subtype |
| ARAF | Part of cell signalling pathways; mutations may affect treatment response |
| BRAF | V600E mutation increases kinase activity; reported in breast cancer |
| CHEK2 | Associated with hereditary breast cancer susceptibility |
| CTNNB1 | Involved in cell signalling relevant to tumour growth |
| DDR2 | Receptor involved in cancer cell invasion |
| EGFR | Growth factor receptor; relevant in certain breast cancer subtypes |
| ERBB2 | Also known as HER2; key driver of HER2-positive breast cancer |
| ERBB3 | Related receptor influencing treatment resistance |
| ESR1 | Oestrogen receptor gene; mutations linked to endocrine therapy resistance |
| FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, FGFR4 | Fibroblast growth factor receptors; targets for newer therapies |
| FLT3 | Involved in cell signalling and tumour progression |
| GNA11, GNAQ, GNAS | Signalling proteins that can drive tumour growth |
| HRAS | Part of the RAS pathway; mutations seen across cancer types |
| IDH1, IDH2 | Metabolic enzymes; mutations affect cancer cell behaviour |
| KIT | Growth factor receptor linked to certain cancers |
| KRAS | Common oncogene driving cancer cell proliferation |
| MAP2K1, MAP2K2 | Downstream signalling genes affecting drug response |
| MET | Involved in tumour growth and spread |
| MTOR | Regulates cell growth; target of specific cancer therapies |
| NRAS | RAS family gene; mutations alter cell growth signals |
| NTRK1, NTRK3 | Gene fusions are targets for TRK inhibitor therapies |
| PDGFRA | Growth factor receptor relevant to tumour signalling |
| PIK3CA | One of the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer |
| RAF1 | Part of the MAPK signalling pathway |
| RET | Can undergo fusions relevant to targeted treatment |
| ROS1 | Gene fusions are actionable with specific targeted drugs |
| SF3B1 | Involved in RNA processing; mutations seen in breast cancer |
| SMAD4 | Tumour suppressor gene in signalling pathways |
| SMO | Part of the Hedgehog signalling pathway |
The test detects single nucleotide variants (small spelling changes in DNA), insertions and deletions (small additions or removals of DNA), and gene fusions (abnormal joining of two separate genes).
Why Is a Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Done?
This test is prescribed for patients with breast cancer, primarily in advanced or metastatic settings, to support treatment planning and monitoring.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when a patient presents with one or more of the following:
- A breast lump or mass that has been diagnosed or is under investigation
- Unexplained weight loss in a patient with known or suspected breast cancer
- Persistent fatigue not explained by other causes
- Bone pain, which may suggest the cancer has spread
- Shortness of breath in a patient with advanced disease
- Skin changes over the breast area
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used in specific clinical situations. The following are the main conditions and scenarios it addresses:
- Metastatic breast cancer, where identifying mutations guides the choice of targeted therapy
- Acquired resistance to ongoing treatments, such as endocrine therapy
- Tumours harbouring actionable mutations, including ESR1, PIK3CA, or AKT1 changes, that make patients eligible for specific drugs
- Monitoring disease progression during active treatment
Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Circulating tumour DNA levels in the blood can reflect how a tumour is behaving over time. During treatment for metastatic breast cancer, changes in ctDNA levels may indicate whether the cancer is responding or progressing. This test may be repeated periodically to track treatment response and detect emerging resistance mutations, allowing the oncologist to adjust therapy in a timely manner.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) test procedure, but a few steps will help ensure the sample is collected correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally before the blood draw.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help you prepare for a smooth collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and medical records, as this is required for the test
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially ongoing cancer treatments
- Stay well-hydrated before the blood draw, as this makes the process easier
- Avoid strenuous physical activity on the day of collection, as this may temporarily affect cell-free DNA levels
- Discuss the timing of the blood draw with your oncologist if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, as recent treatment may influence ctDNA levels
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during a Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) test procedure and sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans a vein in your arm and inserts a small needle for the blood draw.
- Approximately 10 ml of blood is collected into a Streck tube, which is specially designed to preserve cell-free DNA.
- The tubes are gently inverted to mix the preservative, then stored at 2 to 8°C for transport.
- The sample is sent to the NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratory on the same day, scheduled Monday to Saturday.
- In the lab, plasma is separated, and cell-free DNA is extracted from the blood sample.
- The DNA is analysed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and the report is prepared within 20 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of this test:
- Haemolysed (damaged), clotted, or improperly collected blood samples
- Very early-stage cancer or low tumour burden, where not enough DNA is shed into the blood
- Recent chemotherapy or radiation, which may temporarily lower ctDNA levels
- Improper sample storage or handling after collection
- Certain non-cancerous conditions that can occasionally produce detectable cell-free DNA
Understanding Your Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Results
Results from this test require careful interpretation by a qualified oncologist. The table below provides a general overview of what different findings may mean.
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Abnormal Finding |
|---|---|---|
| ctDNA Detection | Not detected or below the limit of detection | Detectable ctDNA present in the blood |
| Gene Mutations (41 genes including AKT1, ESR1, PIK3CA, etc.) | No pathogenic variants detected (wild-type) | One or more pathogenic variants identified |
| Variant Allele Frequency (VAF) | Not applicable in healthy individuals | If detected, reported as a percentage; higher values may suggest greater tumour activity |
Disclaimer: 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
The following conditions may affect how results are interpreted:
- In early-stage or low-burden disease, ctDNA concentrations in the blood are small, and detection sensitivity is lower. A negative result does not rule out cancer.
- Recent chemotherapy or radiation may reduce ctDNA to undetectable levels, which can reflect treatment response rather than absence of disease.
- Certain non-cancerous conditions may occasionally produce detectable cell-free DNA, requiring further clinical correlation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips for patients undergoing monitoring with this test:
- Follow your oncologist's recommended treatment plan and keep all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Maintain balanced nutrition and appropriate physical activity as advised by your care team
- Attend all recommended imaging and clinical reviews alongside repeat testing, as this test works best as part of a broader monitoring plan
Lupin Diagnostics Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Price and Home Collection
The Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at a cost of ₹40,000, with home collection available across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 40000 |
| Pune | 36000 |
| Bangalore | 36000 |
| Chennai | 36000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Making a Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) test online booking at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 20 days.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers a Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test home collection option across major cities in India. Your blood sample is collected by a trained phlebotomist using the correct Streck tubes and dispatched to an NABL-accredited laboratory for NGS analysis. Reports are delivered digitally once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini test is a blood-based genetic test that detects circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the bloodstream. It analyses 41 genes to identify mutations that may guide treatment decisions for breast cancer patients. The test requires only a standard blood draw.
This test is recommended for adults with metastatic or advanced breast cancer, particularly when identifying targetable mutations can guide therapy choices. It may also be ordered when a tissue biopsy is not possible or when monitoring treatment response over time.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as usual before the blood draw. However, always inform your doctor about any medications or ongoing treatments before the sample is collected.
A phlebotomist draws approximately 10 ml of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected into a Streck tube, which preserves the cell-free DNA until it reaches the laboratory. The process is similar to a routine blood test.
The Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini test report is typically delivered within 20 days. This is because next-generation sequencing requires detailed data processing and quality review before results can be reported.
This test can be a useful option when tissue biopsy is not possible due to the tumour's location or the patient's condition. However, tissue biopsy remains the standard method for initial cancer diagnosis. Your oncologist will advise on the most appropriate approach for your situation.
If the test identifies actionable mutations, your oncologist may recommend targeted therapies suited to those specific genetic changes. Certain mutations, such as those in PIK3CA, ESR1, or AKT1, may make you eligible for specific approved drugs or clinical trials. Your oncologist will discuss the clinical significance of any findings with you.
Liquid Biopsy Breast Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test
