NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel [13 DNA] + MSI By Sequencing
About NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel [13 DNA] + MSI By Sequencing
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CRC NGS Panel, Extended RAS/RAF Panel, Colon Cancer Mutation Panel, Colorectal Cancer Gene Panel |
| Sample Type | FFPE (Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded) tumour tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No. This is a tissue-based test, not a blood test |
| Report Time | 25 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer, particularly metastatic colorectal cancer; patients being evaluated for targeted therapy eligibility |
| Price | Starting at ₹24,000 |
What Is an NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel [13 DNA] + MSI By Sequencing?
The Colorectal Cancer (CRC) NGS Panel is a specialised molecular test that analyses tumour tissue to identify gene mutations linked to colorectal cancer. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a technology that rapidly and accurately reads DNA, the test examines 13 cancer-related genes alongside microsatellite instability (MSI) status. It is also known as the Colon Cancer Mutation Panel or Extended RAS/RAF Panel. The sample used is preserved tumour tissue, collected previously during a biopsy or surgical procedure.
What does an NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel [13 DNA] + MSI by Sequencing Measure?
This panel screens for mutations across 13 genes in tumour tissue, plus MSI status. Each marker provides specific information about the cancer's behaviour and likely response to treatment. The genes and marker tested are listed below.
| Gene / Marker | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| APC | Mutations linked to familial adenomatous polyposis and colorectal cancer development |
| BRAF | BRAF V600E mutation associated with poor prognosis and reduced response to certain therapies |
| PIK3CA | Mutations found in 10 to 20% of colorectal cancers; associated with treatment response |
| FGFR3 | Receptor involved in cell growth; may be a target for therapeutic intervention |
| HRAS | Rare mutations in colorectal cancer; clinical significance is still being studied |
| KRAS | Mutations in 40 to 50% of colorectal cancers; predict resistance to anti-EGFR therapy |
| NRAS | Mutations in 1.2 to 4.2% of colorectal cancer cases |
| TP53 | Tumour suppressor gene; mutations affect cancer growth control |
| BRCA1 | Gene involved in DNA repair; mutations can affect cancer risk and treatment |
| BRCA2 | Gene involved in DNA repair; mutations can affect cancer risk and treatment |
| MET | Gene related to cell growth signalling pathways |
| ERBB2 | Gene associated with targeted therapy eligibility in some cancers |
| STK11 | Tumour suppressor gene linked to certain cancer predisposition syndromes |
| MSI Status | Microsatellite instability status; guides eligibility for immunotherapy |
Why is an NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel [13 DNA] + MSI by Sequencing Done?
This test is ordered when an oncologist needs detailed molecular information to guide treatment decisions for a patient with colorectal cancer. The sections below explain common reasons it may be requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A colorectal cancer NGS panel is typically requested after a colorectal cancer diagnosis, not at the symptom stage. However, the following symptoms often lead to investigations that result in a diagnosis and subsequent molecular testing.
- Unexplained or persistent changes in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue without a clear cause
- A family history of colorectal cancer
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This colon cancer mutation panel can identify molecular features associated with several conditions. These include:
- RAS/BRAF mutations that may affect response to anti-EGFR therapies
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an inherited condition involving multiple colorectal polyps with a high risk of cancer by around age 40
- Lynch syndrome (also called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer), an inherited condition increasing colorectal cancer risk
- Mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) and MSI-High (MSI-H) tumours, which may respond to immunotherapy
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test does not involve a fresh blood draw or any new invasive procedure for most patients. The steps below explain what is involved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test uses a tumour tissue sample collected previously, so no dietary preparation is needed.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before submitting your sample for this test.
- Ensure a representative FFPE tumour tissue block from your biopsy or surgical procedure is available
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Confirm with your doctor that adequate tumour tissue was collected at the time of biopsy or surgery
- Inform the laboratory of the date the FFPE sample was prepared, as samples older than seven years may not be suitable for NGS analysis
Step-by-Step Procedure
The process for this tissue-based test follows these steps.
- Your existing FFPE tumour tissue block, collected during a prior biopsy or surgery, is retrieved and sent to the laboratory.
- A pathologist examines stained sections of the tissue to confirm tumour cell content and marks tumour-rich areas, excluding non-cancerous tissue.
- The selected tumour area is carefully dissected from the block for molecular analysis.
- DNA is extracted from the FFPE tissue sample in the laboratory.
- NGS analysis is performed, simultaneously examining all 13 genes and MSI status.
- Results are reviewed by molecular pathologists and a report is issued within the turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of results from this test.
- Low tumour purity (too few cancer cells in the tissue sample)
- Poor DNA quality due to the type of formalin used during tissue preservation
- Length of time since the FFPE sample was prepared (samples older than seven years may yield insufficient DNA)
- Insufficient tumour tissue quantity in the original biopsy
Understanding Your NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel Results
Results from this test are qualitative, meaning they report the presence or absence of specific mutations rather than numerical values. Your oncologist will review the findings alongside your overall clinical picture. The table below shows what typical results indicate.
| Parameter | Normal / Expected Finding |
|---|---|
| Gene mutations (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and others) | No pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants detected |
| MSI status | Microsatellite Stable (MSS) |
A finding of no mutations (wild-type) in the RAS and BRAF genes, combined with MSS status, generally indicates eligibility for certain targeted therapies, such as anti-EGFR treatments. A detected mutation, depending on the gene, may indicate that certain therapies are unlikely to be effective or that immunotherapy options should be explored (particularly in MSI-High cases).
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 age and quality of the FFPE sample can affect results. DNA from FFPE samples prepared within the last seven years is generally suitable for NGS analysis; samples older than this may not yield sufficient DNA quality. There is also some variation between pathologists in estimating tumour cell content, which can influence test accuracy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this is a diagnostic test rather than a monitoring test, the following general wellness steps are relevant for those with colorectal cancer risk.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations for regular colonoscopy screening based on your age and personal risk factors
- Maintain a diet rich in fibre and limit consumption of processed meats
- If hereditary cancer syndromes are identified, discuss genetic counselling with your doctor
Lupin Diagnostics NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel Price
The NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel is priced starting at ₹24,000 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 | 24000 |
| Pune | 24000 |
| Bangalore | 24000 |
| Chennai | 24000 |
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 the Colorectal Cancer (CRC) NGS Panel at Lupin Diagnostics.
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The colon cancer mutation panel analyses key genes in tumour tissue to identify molecular markers that predict how a cancer is likely to respond to targeted and immunotherapy treatments. It helps your oncologist choose the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific cancer type.
The test uses tumour tissue that was already collected during a biopsy or surgery and preserved in an FFPE block. In most cases, no new procedure is needed. Your doctor or the laboratory will coordinate retrieval of the existing sample.
All patients with metastatic colorectal cancer should have their tumour tested for RAS (KRAS and NRAS) and BRAF mutations. These mutations directly determine whether certain targeted therapies, particularly anti-EGFR drugs, are likely to be beneficial or should be avoided.
MSI-High (MSI-H) status indicates that the tumour may respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Studies have shown that certain immunotherapy drugs achieve meaningful response rates in MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer, offering an important treatment option for eligible patients.
The report is typically delivered within 25 days of the laboratory receiving the sample. Turnaround time can vary based on sample quality and laboratory workload.
Yes. Mutations in genes such as APC can indicate familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an inherited condition characterised by numerous colorectal polyps and a high risk of cancer. If a hereditary syndrome is suspected based on results, your doctor may refer you for genetic counselling.
This panel is generally performed once, at the time of diagnosis or when a treatment decision is being made. If your cancer progresses or you are being considered for new treatment options, your oncologist may recommend retesting to check whether new mutations have developed.
NGS Mini Colon Cancer Panel [13 DNA] + MSI By Sequencing
