UofL Health's Brown Cancer Center first in the nation to offer first-of-its-kind tumor test

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- UofL Health's Brown Cancer Center is the first in the nation to offer a new type of testing.

It's offering patients access to a first-of-its-kind, FDA-approved solid tumor test known as Illumina TruSight Oncology Comprehensive, performed entirely on-site at UofL's Next Generation Sequencing Lab, according to a news release.

The new tool scans a "sliver of tumor tissue" for mutations by evaluating the DNA and RNA of the tumor.

Officials said it replaces the need for multiple tests and cuts down on wait times. It also helps doctors match patients with the most effective treatments or clinical trials.

"Cancer cells can present and respond in very unique ways, but the detail provided by this single test enhances our ability to develop targeted, personalized therapy plans," Dr. Jason Chesney, director and chief administrative officer of the Brown Cancer Center, said Monday in a news release.

Officials said the small amount of tissue required for testing can "detect multiple mutations," which saves "precious sample," reduces costs and speeds up answers as opposed to traditional oncological testing.

The TSO Comprehensive test can "simultaneously sequence millions of DNA fragments while detecting more than 500 cancer-related DNA variants and 24 RNA fusions, along with other key biological signatures," and can be used for multiple solid tumor types, officials said.

Litty Paul, the manager of the UofL Health lab that conducts the testing, said it helps oncologists determine the correct treatment path for each patient by converting the raw data it collects from sequencing into a clear report that "flags mutations already linked to FDA-approved drugs or clinical trials."

UofL Health said quicker answers mean reduced stress for patients, more personalized treatments and potentially better outcomes by minimizing wait times between a biopsy and starting a treatment plan.

To learn more about the Brown Cancer Center, click here.

To learn more about the TSO Comprehensive test, click here.

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