Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test
About Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Oncomine RNA Fusion Panel, Comprehensive RNA Gene Fusion Panel, RNA-seq Fusion Panel, Targeted RNA Fusion NGS Panel |
| Sample Type | FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) tumour tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 30 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children with suspected or confirmed solid tumours requiring targeted therapy evaluation |
| Price | Starting at ₹42,000 |
What Is an Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test?
The Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test is a specialised molecular test that detects abnormal gene fusions in tumour tissue. A gene fusion occurs when two separate genes join together abnormally, producing a hybrid gene that can drive cancer growth. The test analyses RNA extracted from tumour tissue using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a technology that reads genetic material at high resolution. Oncologists typically order this test to identify targetable genetic changes that may guide treatment decisions for patients with solid tumours. It is also referred to as the Oncomine RNA fusion panel, comprehensive RNA gene fusion panel, RNA-seq fusion panel, or targeted RNA fusion NGS panel.
What Does an Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test Measure?
The Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test screens tumour RNA for fusions and rearrangements across the following 51 genes. Each gene is associated with specific cancer types and, when found to be fused, may indicate eligibility for targeted therapy.
Key genes and what their detection means are described below:
| Gene(s) | Relevance |
|---|---|
| ALK | Rearrangements commonly found in lung cancer and some other solid tumours |
| ROS1 | Fusions that can be targeted with approved therapies in lung cancer |
| RET | Fusions relevant to lung and thyroid cancers |
| NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3 | Fusions detected across multiple tumour types; targetable with approved drugs |
| FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 | Fibroblast growth factor receptor fusions in bladder, breast, and other cancers |
| MET | Gene alterations, including specific structural changes that drive tumour growth |
| NRG1 | Fusions found across various solid tumour types |
| BRAF, RAF1 | MAPK pathway gene fusions associated with several cancers and potential therapeutic targets |
| EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB4 | Growth factor receptor genes implicated in multiple cancer types |
| ESR1 | Oestrogen receptor gene; relevant in hormone-driven cancers |
| AR | Androgen receptor gene; rearrangements reported in prostate and other hormone-driven cancers |
| KRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT2 | Key signalling pathway genes frequently altered in solid tumours |
| BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51B | DNA repair genes; rearrangements may have therapeutic implications |
| RB1, CDKN2A, NF1 | Tumour suppressor genes whose rearrangements indicate aggressive disease |
| ERG, ETV1, ETV4, ETV5 | ETS-family transcription factor fusions commonly associated with prostate cancer |
| MYB, MYBL1 | Transcription factor fusions characteristic of salivary gland and certain brain tumours |
| PDGFRA, PDGFRB, FLT3, JAK2 | Kinase gene fusions identified across solid and haematologic malignancies |
| NOTCH1, NOTCH4 | Notch signalling pathway genes implicated in tumour development through structural alterations |
| AXL, FGR | Tyrosine kinase genes associated with tumour progression and oncogenic signalling |
| PRKACA, PRKACB | Protein kinase A gene fusions associated with rare tumour types |
| PPARG | Nuclear receptor gene involved in recurrent fusions in thyroid and other cancers |
| RELA | Fusion partner characteristics of specific central nervous system tumours |
| RSPO2, RSPO3 | Fusion partners that activate WNT signalling in colorectal and other cancers |
| NUTM1 | Rearrangements define NUT carcinoma and serve as important diagnostic markers |
| MDM4 | p53 pathway regulator altered in multiple tumour types |
| TERT | Telomerase gene altered through structural rearrangements in multiple cancer types |
Why Is an Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test Done?
This test is requested when an oncologist needs to understand the genetic makeup of a tumour to plan the most appropriate treatment. It is not a screening test; it is ordered after a cancer diagnosis has been made or is strongly suspected.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A treating doctor may order this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Unexplained and persistent weight loss
- Persistent cough or blood in sputum
- A growing mass or lump in any part of the body
- Bone pain without a clear cause
- Unexplained fatigue over a prolonged period
- Difficulty breathing not explained by other conditions
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test can identify targetable gene fusions in the following cancers and tumour types:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where ALK, ROS1, RET, EGFR, and BRAF fusions are established drivers
- Thyroid carcinoma, including cases linked to radiation exposure with NTRK or RET fusions
- Sarcomas, where gene fusions are present in an estimated 20 to 30% of cases
- Secretory breast carcinoma and rare breast cancer subtypes
- Colorectal cancer with rare targetable fusions
- Gliomas (brain tumours)
- Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours
- Cancer of unknown primary origin, where fusion detection guides treatment
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Since this test requires tumour tissue and not a routine blood draw, preparation involves the clinical team rather than the patient directly. The steps below outline what typically happens.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on tumour tissue obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, so dietary restrictions do not apply. Always follow instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points will help ensure the sample is suitable for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Provide any available histopathology or biopsy reports with the sample
- Inform your doctor about any prior chemotherapy or radiation treatment, as this may affect tissue quality
Step-by-Step Procedure
The Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test procedure follows these steps:
- Tumour tissue is collected via surgical resection or biopsy and preserved as an FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed and embedded in paraffin wax).
- A pathologist examines a stained slide from the block to confirm that sufficient tumour cells are present and the sample meets quality requirements.
- The tissue is processed to remove the paraffin, and RNA and DNA are extracted using specialised purification techniques.
- The extracted RNA is converted into complementary DNA (cDNA) and prepared for sequencing using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- The NGS instrument reads the genetic material at high depth across all 51 target genes.
- Bioinformatic software analyses the sequencing data to identify any fusion transcripts, flag the fusion partners, and generate a structured report for the oncologist.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality of results from this test:
- Low tumour cell content in the submitted sample
- Poor RNA quality due to prolonged or improper tissue fixation
- Significant tumour necrosis (areas of dead tissue within the sample)
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation, which may reduce tumour cellularity and RNA integrity
- Age of the tissue block; older samples may have degraded RNA
Understanding Your Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed with a qualified oncologist or molecular pathologist. The table below summarises how results are generally interpreted:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative (no fusion detected) | No actionable gene fusion found within the 51-gene panel; targeted fusion therapies are not indicated based on this panel |
| Positive (fusion detected) | A specific gene fusion has been identified; the report will name the fusion partners and may indicate eligibility for targeted 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
Certain situations may affect the reliability of results from this test:
- Samples with very low tumour content or poor RNA integrity may produce inconclusive results, and repeat testing with a better-quality sample may be needed.
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation treatment can reduce the amount and quality of tumour RNA, potentially affecting the sensitivity of fusion detection.
- The length of time a tissue block has been stored and the duration of formalin fixation both influence RNA preservation and, in turn, test accuracy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test does not measure levels that can be maintained through lifestyle changes. However, the following steps are relevant after receiving results:
- Follow your oncologist's guidance on treatment options based on the fusion identified
- Discuss results with a genetic counsellor if a hereditary cancer syndrome is suspected
- Ask your oncologist whether repeat testing may be needed if your cancer progresses or if a new treatment approach is considered
Lupin Diagnostics Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test Price
The Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹42,000. This test requires a visit to a hospital or submission of the tumour tissue block to a Lupin Diagnostics centre through your treating hospital; home collection is not available for this test. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 42000 |
| CHENNAI | 42000 |
| HYDERABAD | 42000 |
| KOLKATA | 42000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 42000 |
| PUNE | 42000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for the Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, or arrange for your treating hospital to submit the FFPE tissue block directly to the laboratory.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test is a molecular diagnostic test that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect abnormal gene fusions in tumour tissue. It screens 51 cancer-related genes and helps oncologists identify whether a patient's tumour carries a targetable genetic change that may respond to specific therapies.
Identifying gene fusions has changed how many cancers are treated. When a specific fusion is found, it can match a patient to a targeted therapy that is more precise than standard chemotherapy, often leading to better outcomes. The Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test makes it possible to screen multiple genes in a single test.
This test is applicable across a wide range of solid tumours, including non-small cell lung cancer, thyroid cancer, sarcomas, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, gliomas, and cancers of unknown primary origin. It is particularly useful when a targetable fusion gene is suspected based on the tumour type or treatment history.
Tumour tissue is obtained through a surgical procedure or biopsy performed by your treating doctor or surgeon. The sample is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block, which is then submitted to the laboratory for testing.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test has a report turnaround time of 30 days from the date the laboratory receives the sample. The results are delivered via email or WhatsApp.
A positive result means the laboratory has identified a specific gene fusion in your tumour tissue. Depending on the fusion found, your oncologist may discuss targeted therapy options. The report will specify the fusion partners to help guide this conversation.
No, the Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes test home collection is not available. Tumour tissue must be collected through a hospital or clinical procedure and submitted as an FFPE block or tissue slide to a specialised laboratory for processing.
Oncomine Comprehensive RNA Fusion Panel – 51 Genes Test
