Developed in collaboration with Merck, the test is a simplified method to determine the RAS mutation status of tumors. It requires only a single blood-draw.
The OncoBEAM RAS assay is a comprehensive test, which is comprised of 34 KRAS and NRAS mutations.
The blood-based test, which is an alternative to tissue biopsies or other surgical procedures, can also be carried out when no tumor tissue is available or a rapid test result is crucial for therapy success.
It can also be used to find which patients would benefit from anti-EGFR therapies such as Cetuximab.
The Centro di Ricerche Oncologiche di Mercogliano (CROM) in Naples is the first that implemented the OncoBEAM RAS test in the country.
CROM the Pharmacogenomics laboratory director professor Nicola Normanno said: "In mCRC, RAS is known to be a key biomarker to predict how well mCRC patients may respond to particular treatments, making it important to know their RAS status as early as possible.
"The OncoBEAM CRC RAS test can save time, compared with current tissue-based RAS testing. The liquid biopsy test can also be used as an alternative if tissue for testing is not available."
Sysmex Inostics, through its companion diagnostics (CDx) team, provides services for the is development of non-invasive cell-free DNA-based IVD tests.
