NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Lung Cancer RNA Fusion Panel, NGS RNA Fusion Lung Cancer Panel, RNA-based Lung Cancer Gene Fusion Panel |
| Sample Type | Tumour tissue (FFPE block, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 16 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly adenocarcinoma; all genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,400 |
What Is an NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test?
The NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] test uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to analyse RNA from lung tumour tissue. It detects specific gene fusions and RNA alterations that drive cancer growth. Oncologists use this test to identify whether a patient is eligible for targeted therapy. It is also referred to as the Lung Cancer RNA Fusion Panel or the RNA-based Lung Cancer Gene Fusion Panel.
What Does an NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test Measure?
This panel examines RNA extracted from tumour tissue to detect abnormal gene fusions and splicing changes. A gene fusion occurs when two separate genes join abnormally, producing proteins that can accelerate cancer growth. The test covers the following key gene alterations:
| Gene Alteration | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ALK fusions | Abnormal joining of the ALK gene; linked to targeted therapy eligibility |
| ROS1 fusions | Present in roughly 1-2% of lung adenocarcinoma cases |
| RET fusions | Rearrangements of the RET gene, found in approximately 1-2% of cases |
| NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3 fusions | Rare in lung cancer but actionable with specific inhibitor therapy |
| MET exon 14 skipping | A splicing alteration seen in around 3-4% of NSCLC cases |
The panel also covers additional genes, including ABL1, AKT3, AXL, BRAF, PDGFRA, PPARG, RAF1, ERG, ETV1, ETV4, ETV5, FGFR3, FGFR2, and others, providing a broad view of RNA-level alterations relevant to treatment selection.
Why Is an NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test Done?
This test is ordered after a lung cancer diagnosis has been confirmed. It helps oncologists choose the most appropriate treatment by identifying specific genetic changes in the tumour.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
These symptoms, in the context of a confirmed or suspected lung cancer diagnosis, may prompt a doctor to order this panel:
- Persistent cough that does not resolve
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Extreme fatigue
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] test supports the diagnosis and treatment planning for the following:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly advanced or metastatic stages
- Lung adenocarcinoma requiring targeted therapy selection
- Treatment-resistant lung cancer where alternative therapies are needed
- Recurrent lung cancer after initial treatment
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test involves a tumour tissue sample, not a routine blood draw. Preparation focuses on ensuring the tissue sample is collected and preserved correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The test analyses RNA from tumour tissue, and food or drink does not affect the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before providing a sample, keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and treatment history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your oncologist about all current medications and ongoing treatments.
- Share any previous molecular or genetic test reports with the laboratory.
- Ensure the biopsy or surgical specimen is collected and processed by a certified pathology laboratory.
- Ask your specialist about the minimum tumour cellularity needed (at least 20% neoplastic cells is generally recommended).
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Your doctor or a specialist obtains a tissue sample through a biopsy (such as a CT-guided needle biopsy or bronchoscopy) or during a surgical procedure.
- The tissue is processed by a pathology laboratory and embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) block or slides.
- The FFPE block is transported to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C).
- RNA is extracted from the tissue and converted to complementary DNA (cDNA) for sequencing.
- The NGS platform analyses the cDNA for gene fusions and RNA splicing alterations across all 23 targets in the panel.
- A detailed report is prepared and sent to your doctor within the turnaround time to guide treatment decisions.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of the NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] test procedure:
- Low RNA quality or quantity from poorly preserved tissue
- Insufficient tumour cells in the sample (low tumour cellularity)
- Long-term storage of FFPE blocks, which can degrade RNA over time
- Excessive fixation time for cytology samples, which may reduce RNA integrity
- Degraded or damaged tissue samples may lead to inconclusive results
Understanding Your NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test Results
Results are reported qualitatively, meaning each gene alteration is listed as either "Detected" or "Not Detected." Your oncologist will review all findings in the context of your overall diagnosis and treatment plan.
| Gene Alteration | Normal Result | If Detected |
|---|---|---|
| ALK fusions | Not detected | May be eligible for ALK inhibitor therapy |
| ROS1 fusions | Not detected | May be eligible for ROS1 inhibitor therapy |
| RET fusions | Not detected | May be eligible for RET inhibitor therapy |
| NTRK1/2/3 fusions | Not detected | May be eligible for TRK inhibitor therapy |
| MET exon 14 skipping | Not detected | May be eligible for MET inhibitor therapy |
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
RNA-based NGS detects a higher proportion of MET exon 14 skipping cases compared to DNA-based methods, making it particularly useful for this alteration. However, RNA quality is critical; degraded samples may produce inconclusive results. Gene fusions detected by this panel are typically mutually exclusive with other common lung cancer drivers such as EGFR or KRAS mutations, which your oncologist will factor into treatment planning.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test is part of cancer care, so the focus is on supporting your overall treatment journey:
- Follow your oncologist's recommendations based on test findings and overall disease stage.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments during treatment.
- Consider genetic counselling to help you and your family understand the test results and their implications.
Lupin Diagnostics NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test Price
The NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] test cost starts at ₹14,400 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or pathology facility, as home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 14400 |
| CHENNAI | 14400 |
| HYDERABAD | 14400 |
| KOLKATA | 14400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 14400 |
| PUNE | 14400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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 or coordinate with your pathology team for FFPE block dispatch.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an advanced genetic test that uses Next-Generation Sequencing to detect gene fusions and RNA alterations in lung tumour tissue. It helps oncologists identify whether a patient with lung cancer is a candidate for targeted therapy, which works by targeting specific genetic changes driving cancer growth.
This test is recommended for patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease (Stage III or IV). It is also used when a patient's cancer has returned after initial treatment or when treatment resistance has developed.
The test requires tumour tissue collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by a specialist. The tissue is then prepared as an FFPE block or slides by a pathology laboratory and submitted to Lupin Diagnostics for analysis.
The panel covers 23 RNA-based targets, including key gene fusions such as ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, and MET exon 14 skipping alterations. Additional genes in the panel include BRAF, FGFR2, FGFR3, AXL, and others relevant to lung cancer biology and treatment selection.
The report is typically delivered within 16 days from receipt of an adequate sample. RNA-based sequencing involves multiple processing steps, which accounts for the longer turnaround time compared to routine blood tests.
A positive result means a specific gene fusion or alteration has been detected in the tumour. This indicates the cancer may respond to a corresponding targeted therapy. Your oncologist will review the finding and discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on your overall clinical picture.
NGS Mini Lung Cancer Panel [23 RNA] Test: Booking, Price, and Results
