PIK3CA Mutation Analysis NGS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About PIK3CA Mutation Analysis NGS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PIK3CA mutation analysis, PIK3CA gene mutation test, PI3K mutation test |
| Sample Type | Tumour tissue (FFPE block) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting is required |
| Report Time | 25 days |
| Recommended For | Adults with advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer; also relevant in colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, and other solid tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹22,500 |
What Is a PIK3CA NGS Test?
The PIK3CA NGS test uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect mutations in the PIK3CA gene within tumour tissue or a blood sample. The PIK3CA gene plays a key role in regulating cell growth, and mutations in this gene are linked to several cancers. Doctors order this test mainly to guide treatment decisions for patients with advanced cancer. It is also referred to as PIK3CA mutation analysis or the PI3K mutation test.
What Does a PIK3CA NGS Test Measure?
The PIK3CA NGS test procedure analyses DNA from tumour cells to identify specific genetic changes. Here is what the test looks for:
| Component | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| PIK3CA gene mutations | Whether a disease-causing mutation is present or absent |
| Hotspot mutations | Specific codons within the gene that are commonly altered in cancer |
| Exon coverage | Mutations across multiple exons, including the most common sites in exon 9 and exon 20 |
| Mutation type | Identification of the specific change detected within the gene |
Why Is a PIK3CA NGS Test Done?
This test is ordered at specific points in a cancer patient's treatment journey, primarily to determine eligibility for targeted therapies. It is not a symptom-based screening test.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is typically ordered based on a cancer diagnosis rather than individual symptoms. The following clinical situations commonly prompt a referral:
- Confirmed diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
- Disease progression during or after hormonal therapy.
- Need to confirm tumour type or distinguish between similar tumour presentations.
- Confirmed recurrence of a previously treated cancer.
- Eligibility assessment for clinical trials involving PI3K pathway inhibitors.
- Presence of other solid tumours such as colorectal, ovarian, or endometrial cancer.
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The PIK3CA NGS test is used to assess the following cancers for PIK3CA mutations:
- Breast cancer (mutations found in 20% to 40% of cases)
- Uterine and endometrial cancer (mutation prevalence approximately 42%)
- Cervical cancer (mutation prevalence approximately 28%)
- Ovarian cancer (mutation prevalence approximately 22%)
- Colorectal, liver, stomach, and lung cancers
- Glioblastoma (a type of brain tumour)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The preparation required depends on the availability and quality of the tumour tissue sample. Below is what patients need to know before the test.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind before your PIK3CA NGS test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- If tumour tissue is being used, confirm with your doctor that an existing biopsy block or slides are available.
- Ask your pathologist to clearly mark the tumour area on the tissue block before submission.
- Inform your doctor of all current medications, as some may affect sample quality.
- Contact the laboratory in advance to confirm exact specimen requirements, as these may vary.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test can be performed using tumour tissue. Here is what to expect:
- A doctor collects a small piece of tumour tissue through a biopsy or surgical procedure.
- The tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin (FFPE block) for storage and transport.
- A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and marks the tumour area for analysis.
- DNA is extracted from the tumour cells after separating them from surrounding normal tissue.
- The DNA undergoes NGS to detect PIK3CA mutations across multiple exons of the gene.
- Results are compiled and reported, including the specific mutation identified and its variant allele frequency.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Tumour cell content below 20% in the tissue sample
- Poor quality or degraded DNA due to variable formalin fixation
- Improper sample storage or handling during transport
- Rare genetic variants that may cause false-negative or false-positive results
Understanding Your PIK3CA NGS Test Results
Results should always be reviewed with a qualified oncologist who can interpret findings in the context of your full medical history and treatment plan.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| No mutation detected (wild-type) | No PIK3CA mutations found within the regions tested |
| Mutation detected (PIK3CA mutant) | One or more mutations identified (e.g., E542K, H1047R) |
Disclaimer: These interpretations 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
A few additional points are worth understanding when interpreting results:
- PIK3CA mutation status can differ between a primary tumour and its metastases, so both sites may need to be tested separately.
- This test is designed to identify mutations present in tumour tissue. If an inherited genetic mutation is suspected based on your personal or family history, your doctor may recommend separate germline genetic testing and genetic counselling.
- A negative result does not completely rule out a mutation, as some alterations may fall below the detection limit of the assay.
- Not all tumours carrying a PIK3CA mutation will respond to targeted therapy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test identifies a genetic change in tumour cells and is not a lifestyle-modifiable marker. However, general wellness practices support overall health during cancer treatment:
- Follow a balanced diet and stay well hydrated, as advised by your care team.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your oncologist can monitor your response to treatment.
- Discuss any complementary therapies or supplements with your doctor before starting them.
Lupin Diagnostics PIK3CA NGS Test Price
The PIK3CA mutation analysis NGS test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹22,500. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or hospital facility. Home collection is not available for this test, as it requires tumour tissue obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 24000 |
| CHENNAI | 24000 |
| HYDERABAD | 24000 |
| KOLKATA | 24000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 24000 |
| PUNE | 24000 |
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 to book your PIK3CA NGS test online:
- 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 PIK3CA NGS test detects mutations in the PIK3CA gene using next-generation sequencing technology. It is primarily used to determine whether cancer patients, particularly those with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, may be eligible for targeted therapies that block the PI3K signalling pathway.
This test is most commonly ordered for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer that has progressed during or after hormonal therapy. It is also relevant for patients with endometrial, ovarian, colorectal, and certain other solid tumours where PIK3CA mutations are commonly found.
The PIK3CA NGS test is performed on tumour tissue obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. The tissue sample is typically submitted as a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour block. Tumour tissue testing is considered the most reliable method for detecting PIK3CA gene mutations because it directly analyses the DNA of the cancer cells.
Results are typically available within 25 days from the time the laboratory receives the sample. NGS testing involves multiple steps, including DNA extraction, sequencing, and analysis, which is why the turnaround time is longer than routine blood tests.
A positive result means a mutation was found in the PIK3CA gene within the tumour sample. Your oncologist will use this information to assess whether you may benefit from specific targeted treatments. The decision depends on your cancer type, stage, and overall health.
A negative or wild-type result means no PIK3CA mutation was detected within the regions tested. This does not completely rule out a mutation, as some alterations may be present at levels below what the test can detect. Your oncologist will advise next steps based on the full clinical picture.
No. This test requires a tumour tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. As the specimen must be collected and processed in a healthcare facility, home collection is not available. Please visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre for assistance.
PIK3CA Mutation Analysis NGS Test: Booking, Price, and Results
