Illumina launches new highly multiplexed cancer panel

Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) today introduced the TruSeq Amplicon - Cancer Panel, a highly multiplexed panel that will allow researchers to accurately sequence hundreds of the most relevant cancer loci, even in difficult samples such as formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor samples. With the ability to detect mutations below 5% frequency, the TruSeq Amplicon assay provides the highest quality data across many samples, all in one experiment.

"The TruSeq Amplicon - Cancer Panel is an important advancement for clinical researchers, enabling them to conduct in a matter of days cancer studies that were previously impractical," said Christian Henry, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Illumina's Genomics Solutions Business. "Combined with the accuracy, speed, and ease of use of the MiSeq personal sequencer, this powerful new solution will help unlock millions of FFPE samples as our customers seek to elucidate the biological complexity of cancer."

In a single experiment, researchers can access the most content on any commercially available amplicon cancer panel, including key genes that are associated with drug response and sensitivity. Mutations in such genes are linked to many cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and colorectal cancer. The TruSeq Amplicon - Cancer Panel also delivers confidence and simplicity with up front FFPE sample quality control, built-in assay controls, and on-instrument automated analysis for variant calling.

"In tests on real tumor samples, we confirmed all previously detected mutations," said Dr. Andrew Fellowes, of the Department of Pathology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. "This targeted panel on the MiSeq system will enable us to profile tumor samples for a wider range of mutations and with greater speed and sensitivity than is possible with our current technology."

The MiSeq system utilizes TruSeq, the industry's most trusted and accurate sequencing chemistry, powering over 2,300 scientific publications. TruSeq targeted resequencing products offer complete, end-to-end, cost effective solutions for any study design, with pre-kitted reagents, simple workflows and validated multliplexed sample processing.

Intended for research use only, the TruSeq Amplicon - Cancer Panel is complementary to the strategy of Illumina's recently created Translational and Consumer Genomics (TCG) business, which is focused on delivering genomic solutions to CLIA labs. The TCG has begun to partner with clinical thought leaders to develop targeted resequencing panels for both MiSeq and HiSeq® systems, building on the current TruSeq Amplicon and TruSeq Enrichment assays, including extensions of the content that comprises the TruSeq Amplicon - Cancer Panel.