NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA]
About NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Melanoma Somatic Mutation Panel, Melanoma NGS Hotspot Panel, Melanoma 5-Gene Panel, Solid Tumour Melanoma Panel |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue from a biopsy or surgical resection) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 30 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders with confirmed melanoma, particularly advanced (stage 2C, 3, or 4), metastatic, or recurrent disease |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,400 |
What Is an NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA]?
The NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA] is a specialised molecular test that detects specific genetic mutations in melanoma tumour tissue. It uses next-generation sequencing (NGS), a technology that reads the DNA of cancer cells to identify changes that drive tumour growth. Doctors use this Melanoma Somatic Mutation Panel to guide treatment decisions, particularly for patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma. The test analyses preserved tumour tissue, called an FFPE block, obtained during a prior biopsy or surgery.
What Does an NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA] Measure?
This NGS Melanoma 5-Gene Panel examines five genes in tumour tissue for somatic mutations. Somatic mutations are genetic changes that occur in cancer cells and are not inherited. The table below lists each gene and its significance.
| Gene | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| BRAF | Controls cell growth signals | Mutated in roughly 50% of melanomas; indicates eligibility for targeted therapy |
| NRAS | Involved in cell signalling | Mutated in 10 to 25% of melanomas; may guide immunotherapy decisions |
| KIT | Regulates cell growth receptors | Important in acral and mucosal melanoma subtypes |
| GNAQ | Encodes a signalling protein | Mutated in approximately 40% of uveal (eye) melanomas |
| GNA11 | Works similarly to GNAQ | Together with GNAQ, accounts for mutations in 80 to 90% of uveal melanomas |
Why Is an NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA] Done?
This NGS Solid Tumour Melanoma Panel is ordered when a doctor needs to understand the genetic profile of a melanoma tumour. Knowing which mutations are present helps select the most appropriate treatment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not ordered based on symptoms alone. It is typically requested after a melanoma diagnosis has already been confirmed. The following clinical situations commonly lead to a referral for this panel.
- Confirmed diagnosis of advanced melanoma (stage 2C, 3, or 4)
- Metastatic melanoma spreading to lymph nodes or other organs
- Recurrent melanoma after initial treatment
- Uncertain or equivocal findings on standard pathology review
- Need to assess eligibility for a clinical trial
- Planning of targeted therapy or immunotherapy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The panel identifies the genetic subtype of melanoma, which determines how the cancer is likely to behave and respond to treatment. The following conditions and subtypes are assessed.
- BRAF-mutated melanoma (superficial spreading and nodular subtypes)
- NRAS-mutated melanoma
- KIT-mutated melanoma (acral lentiginous, mucosal, and lentigo maligna subtypes)
- GNAQ- or GNA11-mutated uveal melanoma (arising in the eye)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test does not require the patient to give a fresh blood or urine sample. Instead, it uses preserved tumour tissue that was collected during a previous biopsy or surgery. The preparation steps below relate to submitting that tissue correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Dietary habits have no effect on the tumour tissue sample used for analysis.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps to ensure the process goes smoothly.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any melanoma treatments or surgeries, as this is required for the test.
- Confirm with your doctor that an FFPE tissue block or unstained slides from your biopsy or surgery are available for submission.
- Inform your oncologist or pathologist about any prior treatments, as these may affect the tumour tissue composition.
- Ask your treating doctor to include relevant surgical or pathology reports with the sample submission.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the tumour tissue sample is collected, prepared, and processed for the Melanoma Hotspot Panel.
- A pathologist reviews existing tumour tissue from a previous biopsy or surgical resection to confirm it is suitable for testing.
- The preferred sample is an FFPE tissue block; alternatively, multiple unstained slides of a specified thickness may be accepted.
- The laboratory performs a pathology review and prepares the tissue by enriching it for tumour cells before DNA extraction.
- DNA is extracted from the tumour tissue in the laboratory under controlled conditions.
- The extracted DNA is processed through next-generation sequencing to detect mutations in all five target genes.
- A specialist reviews the sequencing data and prepares a detailed report, which is delivered within the turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors related to the tissue sample can influence the quality of results. The following are the most common.
- Low percentage of tumour cells in the tissue sample (a minimum of 20% tumour nuclei is typically required)
- Poor preservation quality of the FFPE block
- FFPE blocks older than approximately seven years may yield degraded DNA
- Inadequate DNA quantity or quality after extraction
- Use of zinc-based fixatives during tissue preservation, which can damage DNA
Understanding Your NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA] Results
Results from this panel are qualitative, meaning each gene is reported as either "Mutation Detected" or "Mutation Not Detected." There are no numerical reference ranges. Your oncologist will interpret the findings in the context of your tumour type, stage, and overall treatment plan.
| Gene | Possible Result | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| BRAF V600 | Detected / Not Detected | Detection indicates eligibility for BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination therapy |
| NRAS | Detected / Not Detected | Detection may support immunotherapy or clinical trial options |
| KIT | Detected / Not Detected | Detection may indicate suitability for KIT inhibitor treatment |
| GNAQ | Detected / Not Detected | Detection is associated with uveal (eye) melanoma |
| GNA11 | Detected / Not Detected | Detection is associated with uveal (eye) melanoma |
"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."
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While genetic mutation results cannot be changed, general health practices remain important throughout cancer care. The following tips apply broadly to melanoma patients.
- Perform regular skin self-examinations and attend scheduled check-ups with your oncologist.
- Protect skin from UV exposure by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, as sun damage remains a risk factor.
- Maintain all follow-up appointments and discuss treatment options, including clinical trial eligibility, with your healthcare team.
Lupin Diagnostics NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA] Price
The NGS Solid Tumour Melanoma Panel at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹14,400. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home sample collection is not available, as the test requires preserved tumour tissue from a clinical facility.
| 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.
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 with your FFPE tissue block and clinical history documents.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NGS Melanoma 5-Gene Panel uses next-generation sequencing technology to read the DNA of tumour cells and identify specific genetic mutations. The main purpose is to understand which mutations are driving the cancer so that doctors can choose the most effective treatment strategy.
This test is recommended for patients with a confirmed melanoma diagnosis who have advanced, metastatic, or recurrent disease. It is also useful for those being assessed for clinical trial participation or when standard pathology findings are unclear.
The test requires tumour tissue preserved as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block, typically obtained from a previous biopsy or surgical procedure. A regular blood sample is not used for this somatic mutation panel.
The report delivery time at Lupin Diagnostics is 30 days. Turnaround times may vary depending on sample quality, DNA yield, and the complexity of sequencing analysis.
A detected BRAF V600 mutation indicates that the patient may be eligible for targeted therapy using BRAF and MEK inhibitors, which are a standard treatment approach for BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. Your oncologist will discuss the specific treatment options available to you.
No. This Melanoma Somatic Mutation Panel detects mutations acquired by tumour cells and does not assess inherited (germline) genetic risk. If there is a concern about hereditary melanoma risk, your doctor may recommend separate genetic counselling and testing.
No. This test requires preserved tumour tissue that must be collected and submitted through a clinical facility or pathology laboratory. Home collection is not available for the NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA].
NGS Mini Melanoma Cancer Panel [5 DNA]
