NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA]
About NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NGS 4-Gene Panel, Targeted Prostate Cancer Gene Panel, Mini HRR Panel, 4-Gene Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) Panel |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 30 days |
| Recommended For | Males with prostate cancer, especially metastatic or castration-resistant disease; men with a family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,400 |
What Is an NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA]?
The NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA] is a targeted genetic test that analyses four key DNA repair genes linked to prostate cancer. It uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a high-precision method that reads a patient's DNA to identify harmful mutations. The test is also known as the Targeted Prostate Cancer Gene Panel or the 4-Gene Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) Panel. A tissue sample from a tumour biopsy or surgical specimen is used for analysis.
What Does an NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Measure?
This NGS 4-Gene Panel examines four genes that play a role in the body's DNA repair process. Mutations in these genes are associated with prostate cancer risk and treatment response. The four genes analysed are listed below.
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| BRCA1 | A tumour suppressor gene involved in DNA damage repair; harmful mutations increase prostate cancer risk |
| BRCA2 | The most commonly mutated gene in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer; critical for DNA recombination and repair |
| ATM (Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated) | Helps repair DNA double-strand breaks; mutations found in a significant proportion of advanced prostate cancer cases |
| PALB2 (Partner and Localiser of BRCA2) | Acts as a bridge between BRCA1 and BRCA2; essential for BRCA2-mediated DNA repair |
Why Is an NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Done?
This test is ordered in specific clinical situations where understanding a patient's genetic profile can affect both treatment planning and family risk assessment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following situations or symptoms may prompt a doctor to recommend this panel.
- Rising PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels despite ongoing treatment
- Bone pain that may suggest cancer has spread to other parts of the body
- Urinary difficulties in advanced or progressive prostate cancer
- Diagnosis of prostate cancer at a relatively young age
- Aggressive prostate cancer with poor response to standard treatment
- A personal or family history of multiple cancers, including breast or ovarian cancer
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This Prostate Cancer Hereditary/Somatic NGS Panel can help identify or assess the following.
- Hereditary prostate cancer susceptibility linked to HRR gene mutations
- Eligibility for PARP inhibitor therapy, a class of targeted cancer treatment, in patients with BRCA1, BRCA2, or ATM mutations
- Tumours carrying HRR mutations known to respond to specific therapies
- Risk of related cancers, as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations also raise the risk for breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers
- Potential cancer risk in blood relatives, guiding decisions about cascade (family) testing
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, but a few steps will help ensure a smooth process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. The sample used is tumour tissue, not a standard blood draw, so food and drink do not affect collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help you prepare and avoid delays.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry all previous medical records, especially pathology reports, biopsy results, and imaging reports
- Inform your doctor if you have had a recent blood transfusion, as this may be relevant for some sample types
- Obtain written consent, as genetic testing requires patient consent before the sample is processed
- Consider genetic counselling before the test; a genetic counsellor can help you understand what the results may mean for you and your family
Step-by-Step Procedure
The tissue sample is collected and processed as described in the steps below.
- Your doctor retrieves a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue block from your prostate biopsy or surgical specimen; this is stored at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C) for transport.
- The tissue block is sent to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory, where DNA is extracted from the tumour cells.
- The four target gene regions (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, and PALB2) are sequenced using the NGS method.
- The sequencing process identifies point mutations, insertions, deletions, and copy number variations across all four genes in a single run.
- Results are reviewed and interpreted by a clinical geneticist or molecular pathologist.
- Your final report is delivered within 30 days via email or WhatsApp.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of results.
- Tumour cell content: the tissue sample should ideally contain more than 20% tumour cells for accurate analysis
- Quality of tissue preservation and the condition of the FFPE block
- The panel covers only four genes; mutations in other genes not included may not be detected
- Laboratory handling and DNA extraction quality
Understanding Your NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Results
Results from this 4-Gene Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) Panel are typically reported in one of three categories. Your doctor or genetic counsellor will explain what the findings mean for your specific case.
| Gene | Normal Result | Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|
| BRCA1 | No pathogenic variant detected (Negative) | Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant detected, or Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) |
| BRCA2 | No pathogenic variant detected (Negative) | Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant detected, or Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) |
| ATM | No pathogenic variant detected (Negative) | Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant detected, or Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) |
| PALB2 | No pathogenic variant detected (Negative) | Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant detected, or Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) |
A negative result means no harmful mutations were found in the four genes tested. It does not rule out prostate cancer or mutations in genes outside this panel. A pathogenic variant indicates a harmful mutation that raises cancer risk and may affect treatment choices. A Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) is a genetic change where current evidence is insufficient to confirm whether it is harmful or harmless; most VUS are eventually reclassified as benign.
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
The following general steps are useful regardless of your result.
- If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with prostate cancer, discuss genetic counselling with your doctor to understand your personal risk
- Continue regular prostate cancer screening as advised by your healthcare team
- A positive result does not mean cancer will definitely develop; work with your doctor to determine the right surveillance or management plan
Lupin Diagnostics NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Price
The NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel is priced starting at ₹14,400 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test, as it involves FFPE tumour tissue that must be submitted directly.
| 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 NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA] on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time and submit your FFPE tumour tissue block along with your clinical history.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a targeted genetic test that uses Next-Generation Sequencing to look for harmful mutations in four DNA repair genes: BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, and PALB2. The test can detect point mutations, insertions, deletions, and copy number variations in a single run. Results help assess cancer risk and guide treatment decisions.
This test is recommended for men with high-risk, very high-risk, or metastatic prostate cancer. It is also useful for patients with a family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer, and for those whose cancer has progressed despite standard treatment. Your oncologist or urologist will advise whether this test is right for you.
This test uses a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue block, which is obtained from a prostate biopsy or surgical specimen. The tissue block is submitted directly to the laboratory. No blood draw or fasting is required for this specific test.
A positive result means a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was found in one of the four genes. This indicates an increased risk of prostate cancer and, in some cases, other cancers. It may also mean you are eligible for specific targeted treatments. A genetic counsellor can help you understand the full implications.
A VUS is a genetic change where current evidence is not yet sufficient to confirm whether it increases cancer risk or not. Most VUS are eventually reclassified as harmless. A VUS result does not immediately change your care, but your doctor may recommend monitoring for any updates in classification.
Yes. Patients whose tumours carry mutations in HRR genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or ATM may be eligible for PARP inhibitor therapy, a type of targeted cancer treatment. Your oncologist will use the results alongside other clinical information to determine the most appropriate treatment path.
A positive result in a hereditary gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 may have implications for your immediate blood relatives. Genetic counselling can help determine whether cascade testing (testing of family members) is appropriate. Early awareness can support cancer prevention and detection planning for your family.
NGS Mini Prostate Cancer Panel [4 DNA]
