Medical Information

A: Genetic testing for liver cancer susceptibility is highly accurate with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) as the gene sequence cannot be altered by laboratory testing. NGS is carried out in USA centre with CLIA accreditation which is internationally recognised. As liver cancer is asymptomatic in the early stage, early detection using regular blood and imaging surveillance can be lifesaving.

A: Compared with the conventional screening test for liver cancer which is a combination of alpha fetoprotein level & ultrasound, the genetic testing is much more sensitive (over 80 %*). As liver cancer is asymptomatic in the early stage, this is a valuable test for early identification and personalised effective cure.

A: Yes, both the genetic risk for cancer of the prostate as well as early detection of cancer of prostate can both be performed in our centre. The former test predicts the individual’s inborn risk of prostate cancer. The second is to detect existence of the prostate cancer. Research has confirmed that stage I cancer of the prostate means that the cancer is confined to the organ and majority of the person has achieved 5 year survival with good quality of life. Compared to stage IV disease (i.e late discovery of the tumour), the 5-year survival drops to 30%. Hence, early detection is most important aspect of disease eradication. Doing DNA testing on the existing prostate tumour also helps to dictate subsequent best treatment for the patient with good prediction of disease response and achieving complete remission.

A: This test has 2 usages, one is for asymptomatic healthy person wanting to know if one has lung cancer and the other for personalised treatment of the cancer in a patient proved to have lung tumour. Some of the lung cancer especially adenocarcinoma has well known genetic mutations. Thus, oncologist and/or our centre would generally recommend the patient to check for the genomic mutation profile of the lung tumour. This will provide information for tailored made cancer treatment (e.g. target therapy or immunotherapy) which has low adverse effect and better quality of life. This information also serves as a baseline for subsequent monitoring for treatment response and surveillance for tumour recurrence. As for the suitability of the individual for the above tests, medical advice is recommended or contacts our centre for further guidelines.