NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA]
About NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GIST Mutation Panel, GIST Gene Panel, GIST NGS Panel, KIT/PDGFRA/BRAF Panel |
| Sample Type | Tumour tissue (FFPE block — formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 30 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with or suspected of having gastrointestinal stromal tumours (most common in ages 40 to 70) |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,400 |
What Is an NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA]?
The GIST Gene Panel is a specialised genetic test that analyses tumour tissue for mutations linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). GISTs are a type of tumour found in the digestive tract, most often in the stomach or small intestine. The test uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a technology that reads DNA to identify changes in specific genes. It is also known as the GIST Mutation Panel or GIST NGS Panel.
What Does an NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA] Measure?
The GIST Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Panel examines DNA extracted from tumour tissue to detect mutations in three key genes. Each gene plays a role in how GIST develops and how it may respond to treatment.
The panel analyses the following genes:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| KIT Gene | Presence of mutations in a gene controlling cell growth proteins; found in around 80% of GIST cases across exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 |
| PDGFRA Gene | Presence of mutations in the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha gene; found in roughly 30% of GISTs without a KIT mutation, with both genes together accounting for up to 85% of all GIST cases |
| BRAF Gene | Presence of a less common but clinically significant mutation in GIST, relevant because specific BRAF-targeted treatments are available for tumours carrying this change |
Why Is an NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA] Done?
This panel is ordered when a patient has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having a GIST. It helps guide treatment decisions by identifying the specific genetic change driving the tumour.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test after identifying a gastrointestinal tumour. The following symptoms are common reasons for further GIST evaluation:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (blood in stool)
- Dark or tar-coloured stools
- A palpable lump in the abdomen
- Intestinal obstruction
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This panel is used for the following clinical purposes:
- Confirming a GIST diagnosis at the molecular level
- Identifying mutations that predict response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies such as imatinib
- Detecting the PDGFRA D842V mutation, which is resistant to imatinib and requires an alternative agent
- Identifying BRAF mutations that may respond to BRAF inhibitor treatment
- Guiding treatment decisions for advanced or metastatic GIST
NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA] for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already receiving treatment for GIST, this test has ongoing value. Most patients who initially respond to imatinib may eventually develop resistance to the drug. This resistance is often caused by secondary mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes. NGS-based testing can detect these secondary mutations earlier than older methods, providing more useful information for adjusting treatment when the disease progresses.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test requires tumour tissue rather than a standard blood sample. The preparation steps are therefore different from routine blood tests.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. It uses tumour tissue obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure, not a blood sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before arranging this test, keep the following points in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Confirm with your oncologist or pathology laboratory that your existing FFPE tissue block is available for testing
- Share all previous pathology and imaging reports with your doctor before the test is arranged
- Ensure the tissue block has adequate tumour content (laboratories typically require more than 50% tumour cells and less than 30% necrotic tissue)
- If a new biopsy is needed, this will be coordinated by your treating doctor separately
Step-by-Step Procedure
The GIST test with KIT and PDGFRA analysis follows these steps:
- Tumour tissue is collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. If you have had a previous biopsy, the existing tissue block may be used directly.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin by a pathologist, resulting in an FFPE block. This preserves the tissue for DNA analysis.
- The laboratory cuts thin sections from the FFPE block and extracts DNA from the tumour cells.
- The processed DNA is analysed using GIST Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Panel technology, which reads specific regions of the KIT, PDGFRA, and BRAF genes.
- Bioinformatics software analyses sequencing data to identify any mutations.
- A molecular pathologist reviews the findings and prepares a detailed report, which is then sent to your oncologist.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Low tumour cell content in the tissue sample
- Poor DNA quality due to improper or prolonged tissue fixation
- Older tissue blocks, where DNA may have degraded over time
- High levels of necrosis (dead tissue) within the sample
- Larger insertion or deletion variants, which may occasionally be missed with short-read NGS technology
Understanding Your NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA] Results
Results from the GIST Mutation Panel are qualitative, meaning they report whether a mutation is present or absent rather than a numerical value. Your oncologist will interpret the findings alongside your clinical history, imaging results, and pathology report.
| Result Type | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Mutation Detected | A specific disease-causing or likely disease-causing change was found in one or more tested genes |
| No Mutation Detected (Wild-type) | No clinically significant mutations were identified in the tested gene regions |
| Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) | A genetic change was found, but its clinical meaning is not yet established |
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 sample or technical conditions can affect the outcome of this test.
- If the tissue sample contains a low proportion of tumour cells, the test may fail to detect a mutation that is actually present.
- DNA extracted from improperly fixed or aged tissue may be degraded, reducing the quality of sequencing and the reliability of results.
- Larger insertion or deletion mutations in the gene may occasionally fall below the detection threshold of short-read NGS methods.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test identifies genetic mutations in tumour tissue, so the results cannot be altered through lifestyle changes. However, the following steps support overall care:
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your oncologist to monitor treatment response
- Ask your doctor about genetic counselling if there is a family history of GIST or related conditions
- Keep all pathology reports and previous test results organised, as they may be needed for future testing or second opinions
Lupin Diagnostics NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA] Price and Home Collection
The GIST Gene Panel is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹14,400. Sample coordination for existing tissue blocks may be arranged through the laboratory.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 14400 |
| CHENNAI | 14400 |
| HYDERABAD | 14400 |
| KOLKATA | 14400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 14400 |
| PUNE | 14400 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers sample coordination across cities for this test. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced molecular pathologists. Reports are delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp once ready.
How to Book
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
A gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is a tumour that develops in the wall of the digestive tract, most often in the stomach or small intestine. Genetic testing identifies the specific mutation driving the tumour, which helps your oncologist choose the most effective treatment for your case.
The test requires a tumour tissue sample, usually collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. If you have already had a biopsy, the existing FFPE tissue block stored at the pathology laboratory can be sent directly for testing. A blood sample cannot be used for this test.
Yes, to a significant extent. KIT and PDGFRA mutation status is a key predictor of response to imatinib, the standard first-line therapy for GIST. Certain mutations, such as KIT exon 11, respond well to imatinib, while the PDGFRA D842V mutation requires a different medication altogether.
A wild-type result means no mutation was detected in the three tested genes. This occurs in roughly 15% of GIST cases. Your doctor may recommend further testing for other gene changes, such as SDH, NF1, or NTRK fusions, which can also guide treatment decisions.
The report is delivered within 30 days. NGS-based tests involve multiple laboratory steps, including DNA extraction, sequencing, and expert review, which is why the turnaround time is longer than routine blood tests.
Yes. The GIST Mutation Panel is done at the time of initial diagnosis. It may be repeated if the disease progresses or stops responding to treatment, as new resistance mutations can develop over time. Repeat testing helps your oncologist adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
This test is primarily used for patients who have been diagnosed with GIST or have a tumour under investigation. It is not a screening test for healthy individuals. Your doctor will advise whether this test is appropriate based on your biopsy or surgical findings.
NGS Mini GIST Cancer Panel [3 DNA]
