Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test
About Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Oncomine Colon cfDNA Assay Test, Colon cfTNA Panel Test, Colorectal Cancer Liquid Biopsy 14-Gene Panel Test, CRC ctDNA Panel Test |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (plasma) |
| Fasting Required | No, no special dietary preparation is needed |
| Report Time | 30 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with diagnosed or suspected colorectal cancer; patients with metastatic colorectal cancer requiring treatment selection or monitoring |
| Price | Starting at ₹36,000 |
What Is an Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test?
The Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes test is a specialised liquid biopsy test that detects tumour-derived DNA circulating in the bloodstream. It analyses a blood sample from the patient's arm to identify genetic mutations across 14 genes linked to colorectal cancer.
Also known as the Oncomine Colon cfDNA Assay or the Colorectal Cancer Liquid Biopsy 14-Gene Panel, this test is typically ordered by oncologists to guide treatment decisions in patients with diagnosed or suspected colorectal cancer. It uses next-generation sequencing (NGS), a highly sensitive method that can read large amounts of genetic material at once.
What Does an Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test Measure?
This test screens for mutations across 14 genes commonly altered in colorectal cancer. It uses cell-free tumour nucleic acids (cfTNA) — tiny fragments of DNA shed by tumour cells into the blood — to identify these changes without the need for a surgical tissue biopsy.
The 14 genes analysed are listed below, along with their clinical relevance.
| Gene | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| KRAS | Mutations (present in 30 to 50% of colorectal cancers) indicate resistance to anti-EGFR therapy |
| NRAS | Similar to KRAS; mutations predict lack of response to anti-EGFR treatment |
| BRAF | BRAF V600E mutations are linked to aggressive disease and poorer outcomes |
| PIK3CA | Mutations may affect response to targeted therapies |
| TP53 | Tumour suppressor gene; mutations are common in colorectal cancer |
| APC | Mutations involved in early colorectal cancer development |
| EGFR | Receptor gene; overexpression is frequently seen in colorectal cancer |
| ERBB2 (HER2) | Amplification can guide decisions on targeted therapy |
| SMAD4 | Tumour suppressor gene involved in TGF-beta signalling |
| GNAS | Mutations associated with certain colorectal tumour subtypes |
| FBXW7 | Tumour suppressor gene; mutations seen in colorectal cancer |
| CTNNB1 | Beta-catenin gene; mutations involved in cell growth signalling |
| MAP2K1 (MEK1) | Part of the MAPK cell signalling pathway |
| AKT1 | Part of the PI3K/AKT cell signalling pathway |
Why Is an Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test Done?
This test is used when a doctor needs detailed genetic information about a patient's colorectal tumour. The information guides treatment selection, monitoring, and assessment of drug resistance.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order this test when a patient presents with symptoms that suggest colorectal cancer. These symptoms include:
- A noticeable change in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Rectal bleeding or blood found in the stool
- Stools that appear narrower than usual
- Ongoing abdominal discomfort, including cramps, gas, or pain
- A persistent sensation that the bowel has not fully emptied
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes test procedure generates clinically important information across several areas. The test can assist in:
- Identifying targetable mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer to guide therapy selection
- Detecting resistance mutations to anti-EGFR therapy (such as KRAS or NRAS mutations)
- Assessing the presence of minimal residual disease (cancer cells that remain after treatment)
- Evaluating treatment response by measuring changes in circulating tumour DNA levels
- Identifying BRAF V600E mutations, which are linked to poorer survival in certain colorectal cancer subtypes
Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Liquid biopsy tests like this one are used to non-invasively track tumour burden over time. Changes in circulating tumour DNA levels during treatment can indicate whether a therapy is working or whether resistance is developing. The test may be repeated at different points in a patient's treatment journey, as recommended by the oncologist.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for this test. The steps below explain what to expect during and after sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. There are no dietary restrictions.
If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check with them whether any of those tests require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure a smooth collection experience and a quality sample.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and treatment records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment
- No dietary changes or food avoidance is necessary
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to the inside of your arm for blood collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during an Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes test procedure at the collection centre.
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will clean a small area on the inside of your arm and collect 10 ml of blood from a vein
- The blood is collected into a special Streck tube designed to preserve cell-free DNA for analysis
- The sample is refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C and dispatched to the laboratory for processing
- In the laboratory, the plasma (liquid portion of the blood) is separated through centrifugation, and cell-free DNA is extracted from it
- The extracted DNA is analysed across 14 genes using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a method that reads genetic material with high sensitivity
- Results are reviewed by qualified molecular scientists and reported back to your doctor
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several pre-analytical and biological factors can influence the quality of results:
- Low tumour burden may reduce the amount of tumour DNA circulating in the blood, making detection harder
- Delays in sample processing or improper storage can increase background DNA from white blood cells
- Insufficient cell-free DNA input (below the required quantity) may raise the test's detection threshold
- Recent chemotherapy may temporarily alter circulating tumour DNA levels
- Quality of the DNA extraction process in the laboratory
Understanding Your Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test Results
This is a qualitative genetic test, meaning results are reported as "detected" or "not detected" for each of the 14 genes, along with variant allele frequency (VAF) where applicable. Your doctor will interpret findings in the context of your full medical history and clinical condition.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| No mutations detected (wild-type) | No targetable mutations found in the 14 genes analysed |
| Mutation detected | Specific gene mutation(s) identified; VAF also reported |
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
In cancer patients, tumour cells shed only a small fraction of DNA into the bloodstream relative to the total cell-free DNA. Detection sensitivity is therefore better in patients with a higher tumour burden. In patients with a low tumour burden or early-stage disease, results should be interpreted with caution, as a "not detected" result does not always rule out the presence of mutations.
Recent chemotherapy may also temporarily affect ctDNA levels, which can influence result interpretation.
Managing Your Care and Test Schedule
Because this is a cancer-related genetic test, "healthy levels" refers to general cancer care and wellbeing practices rather than any specific numerical targets:
- Follow your oncologist's recommendations for scheduled follow-up appointments and repeat testing
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay physically active, as a healthy lifestyle may support overall wellbeing during cancer care
- Attend all surveillance appointments recommended by your healthcare team to allow timely monitoring of disease status
Lupin Diagnostics Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test Price
The Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes test cost starts at ₹36,000 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires blood sample collection at a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 36000 |
| CHENNAI | 36000 |
| HYDERABAD | 36000 |
| KOLKATA | 36000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 36000 |
| PUNE | 36000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes test online booking is straightforward.
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred centre location
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Frequently Asked Questions
The Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes test is a liquid biopsy test that detects genetic mutations in tumour-derived DNA circulating in the blood. It analyses 14 genes associated with colorectal cancer to help oncologists select appropriate treatments, monitor response, and identify drug resistance. A standard blood sample is used, making it less invasive than a surgical tissue biopsy.
KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated genes in colorectal cancer. When a KRAS mutation is present, the tumour is unlikely to respond to a class of drugs called anti-EGFR therapy. Knowing the KRAS status allows the oncologist to avoid ineffective treatments and choose alternatives that are more likely to work.
Liquid biopsy results often show a high level of agreement with tissue biopsy findings, although concordance can vary depending on tumour type, tumour burden, and the testing method used. Your oncologist will interpret liquid biopsy results alongside other clinical and laboratory findings
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report for this test is delivered within 30 days. This extended timeline reflects the complexity of next-generation sequencing and the detailed bioinformatics analysis required. Your doctor will confirm the timeline at the time of booking.
A "not detected" result means no mutations were identified in the 14 genes analysed. In metastatic colorectal cancer, this wild-type result may indicate eligibility for anti-EGFR therapy. However, a negative result does not always exclude the presence of mutations, particularly in cases where tumour burden is low. Your oncologist will interpret the result in the context of your full clinical picture.
This specific panel is primarily used for treatment selection and monitoring in patients already diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While liquid biopsy technology is being studied for screening purposes, this 14-gene assay is not used as a routine screening tool for the general population. Speak to your doctor about appropriate screening options if you are concerned about your colorectal cancer risk.
No, home sample collection is not available for this test. Blood samples must be collected at a Lupin Diagnostics centre to ensure the sample is handled correctly, refrigerated promptly, and dispatched within the required time. Proper pre-analytical handling is critical for accurate results with this test.
Oncomine Colon cfTNA Assay-14 Genes Test
