Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test
About Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel, ctDNA Lung Cancer Panel, cfDNA NSCLC Gene Panel, NGS Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (collected in a specialised cell-free DNA stabilising tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 20 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with suspected or confirmed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), all genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹36,000 |
What Is a Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test?
The Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test is a blood-based genomic test that detects cancer-related gene mutations from DNA fragments shed by tumour cells into the bloodstream. It uses next-generation sequencing (NGS), an advanced DNA analysis technology, to analyse 12 genes linked to lung cancer. Doctors typically order this test for adults with suspected or confirmed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to guide treatment decisions. It is also known as the ctDNA Lung Cancer Panel or cfDNA NSCLC Gene Panel.
What Does a Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Measure?
This panel analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which are tiny DNA fragments released by cancer cells into the blood. The following 12 genes are examined as part of this test.
| Gene | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| EGFR | Mutations that cause lung cancer cells to grow faster; helps identify patients suitable for EGFR-targeting drugs |
| ALK | Gene rearrangements that drive tumour growth; targetable with specific inhibitors |
| BRAF | Cell growth signalling mutations; certain variants (e.g., V600E) can be addressed with targeted therapy |
| ERBB2 (HER2) | Mutations or amplifications that promote cancer cell growth |
| KRAS | One of the most commonly mutated genes in NSCLC; certain variants (e.g., G12C) are now targetable |
| MAP2K1 | Involved in cell growth signalling pathways; mutations may affect treatment response |
| MET | Gene alterations that can drive tumour progression in lung cancer |
| NRAS | Mutations in this gene can activate cancer cell growth signals |
| PIK3CA | Involved in cell growth pathways; mutations may influence treatment suitability |
| ROS1 | Gene rearrangements that drive tumour growth; targetable with specific drugs |
| TP53 | A gene that normally suppresses tumour growth; mutations here are common in many cancers |
| RET | Gene fusions that can drive lung cancer growth; targetable with approved therapies |
Why Is a Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Done?
This test helps oncologists understand the genetic profile of a lung tumour without an invasive surgical procedure. It supports treatment planning, monitors disease progression, and identifies resistance to ongoing therapy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent or chronic cough that does not resolve
- Coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue
- Swelling in the neck or lymph nodes
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This panel can provide information relevant to the following conditions and clinical situations:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers
- Identification of actionable driver mutations to guide targeted therapy selection
- Detection of resistance mutations that emerge during treatment, such as the EGFR T790M variant
- Molecular characterisation of lung cancer to support treatment planning and disease monitoring
Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test is commonly repeated at baseline and at regular intervals during treatment. Serial testing allows oncologists to track how well a patient is responding to targeted therapy and to detect any new resistance mutations that may appear over time. Because the test requires only a blood draw, it is far less disruptive to repeat than a tissue biopsy, enabling faster discussions about new treatment options when needed.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test procedure, but a few practical steps will help ensure a smooth sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. There are no specific dietary restrictions before your blood draw.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help your collection go smoothly and support accurate results:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, particularly any cancer treatments you are receiving
- Consult your doctor before stopping any blood-thinning medications, as you may be asked to pause them
- Stay well-hydrated before the blood draw
- Bring previous imaging reports, pathology reports, and any other relevant medical records
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm and identifies a suitable vein for blood collection.
- Approximately 10 ml of blood is drawn into a specialised Streck tube, which is designed to preserve cell-free DNA and prevent its degradation.
- The collected blood sample is stored at 2 to 8°C and transported to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions.
- In the laboratory, the blood is processed to separate plasma, from which circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is isolated.
- The extracted DNA undergoes next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify mutations across all 12 genes in the panel.
- Specialist scientists analyse the sequencing data and generate a detailed genomic report, which is delivered within 20 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of your results:
- Low tumour burden (early-stage cancers shed less ctDNA into the bloodstream, which may reduce detection sensitivity)
- Delayed or improper sample processing (blood must be handled promptly and kept in stabilising tubes to prevent DNA degradation)
- Recent surgery or cancer treatment, which can temporarily alter ctDNA levels in the blood
- Individual factors such as age, inflammation, or other medical conditions that may affect ctDNA levels
- Genetic heterogeneity within a tumour, meaning not all mutations present in the tumour may be captured in a single blood sample
Understanding Your Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Results
Results from this panel are qualitative, meaning each gene is reported as either having a mutation detected or not detected. A specialist will interpret the findings in the context of your full clinical picture.
| Gene | Expected Result |
|---|---|
| EGFR | Not detected |
| ALK | Not detected |
| BRAF | Not detected |
| ERBB2 (HER2) | Not detected |
| KRAS | Not detected |
| MAP2K1 | Not detected |
| MET | Not detected |
| NRAS | Not detected |
| PIK3CA | Not detected |
| ROS1 | Not detected |
| TP53 | Not detected |
| RET | Not detected |
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.
A result of "not detected" means no actionable mutations were identified in circulating tumour DNA at the time of testing. A "detected" result means a mutation was found in one or more genes, which your oncologist will use to assess treatment options.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- In early-stage lung cancer, ctDNA levels in the blood are often very low and may fall below the detection limits of the test, which can lead to a negative result even when cancer is present. If your tumour burden is low, your doctor may recommend a tissue biopsy to confirm findings.
- Non-cancerous conditions, inflammatory states, or benign tumours can occasionally cause false positive signals, so all detected mutations must be reviewed carefully alongside your clinical history and other test results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While gene mutations detected by this test are not directly modifiable through lifestyle changes, the following general habits support overall health during cancer care:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oncologist to monitor your response to treatment
- Maintain a smoke-free lifestyle, as smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and can affect treatment outcomes
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly, as early communication supports timely clinical decisions
Lupin Diagnostics Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test Price and Home Collection
The Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹36,000, and home sample collection is available across cities. The approximate city-wise prices are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 36000 |
| 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
Follow these steps to book your Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test online.
- 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 the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home and collects the blood sample using the required specialised Streck tube to preserve cell-free DNA integrity. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your report is delivered digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
A liquid biopsy lung panel is a blood test that detects cancer-related DNA fragments released by tumour cells into the bloodstream. This panel specifically analyses 12 genes that are commonly mutated in non-small cell lung cancer, helping oncologists decide on the most suitable treatment approach.
A traditional tissue biopsy requires a doctor to surgically remove a small piece of the tumour, which involves local anaesthesia and some discomfort. The Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test is simply a blood draw, making it far less invasive and easier to repeat when monitoring treatment over time.
The report for this Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test is delivered within 20 days. This is because the NGS-based analysis involves multiple laboratory steps, including DNA extraction, sequencing, and detailed data interpretation by specialist scientists.
No. This test analyses ctDNA circulating in the blood, and its sensitivity is lower when tumour burden is small, particularly in early-stage cancers. A negative result does not rule out lung cancer, and your doctor may recommend a tissue biopsy for confirmation if clinical suspicion remains high.
This test is typically recommended for adults with suspected or confirmed NSCLC, particularly when tissue biopsy is difficult to obtain, when current treatments are not working, or when monitoring treatment response over time. Your oncologist will advise whether this test is appropriate for your situation.
Finding a mutation in one or more genes means your oncologist can assess whether you are a candidate for targeted therapy, a type of cancer treatment designed to act on specific genetic changes in cancer cells. The specific mutation identified will determine which treatment options may be considered.
Yes, Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini test home collection is available. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home and collect your blood sample in the specialised tubes required to keep cell-free DNA stable during transport to the laboratory.
Liquid Biopsy Lung Panel-Mini (12 Gene) Test
