• UofL Health’s Brown Cancer Center has introduced the first FDA-approved assay for solid tumor testing in the U.S.
• The Illumina TruSight™ Oncology Comprehensive test evaluates DNA and RNA for targeted cancer treatment.
• This test can simultaneously analyze millions of DNA fragments and detect over 500 cancer-related variants.
• TSO Comprehensive simplifies testing by identifying multiple mutations from a single tissue sample.
• The assay minimizes the wait time between biopsy and treatment, thus improving patient outcomes.

First Comprehensive Cancer Sequencing Facility in the U.S.

UofL Health’s Brown Cancer Center in Louisville has taken a monumental step in cancer treatment by becoming the first facility in the United States to offer an FDA-approved assay for solid tumor testing. Known as the Illumina TruSight™ Oncology (TSO) Comprehensive, this test is performed on-site at UofL’s Next Generation Sequencing Lab. What’s remarkable is that it evaluates both the DNA and RNA within a patient’s tumor, seeking out any possible cancer mutations, and ensuring patients are aligned with the most effective treatment options or clinical trials available.

Revolutionizing Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

The TSO Comprehensive assay is not just an ordinary test; it can scan through millions of DNA fragments simultaneously, identifying over 500 cancer-related DNA variants and 24 RNA fusions! This technology truly streamlines the process, allowing a single sample to be assessed for multiple mutations, which not only saves precious tissue but also reduces costs and expedites the time taken to arrive at suitable treatment plans. For many patients, this means potentially faster decisions on their precision therapy that addresses their unique health needs.

Enhancing Patient Care and Treatment Decisions

Dr. Jason Chesney, who oversees the Brown Cancer Center, highlighted the unrivaled expertise of the clinical team, emphasizing how such technology enhances their ability to create personalized treatments for cancer. Meanwhile, Dr. Emily Volk stressed the reduction of anxiety for patients since the wait times between biopsy results and commencement of treatment have been significantly cut down. The detailed mutation reports generated by this test assist oncologists in swiftly identifying treatments directly linked to FDA-approved options and clinical trials, ensuring each patient receives the best care possible.

In summary, UofL Health’s Brown Cancer Center has set a new benchmark in cancer diagnostics with the introduction of the TSO Comprehensive assay, being the first in the U.S. to do so. This technology not only speeds up treatment decisions but also optimizes resource use and enhances patient outcomes through personalized therapy. As a result, this puts UofL Health at the forefront of precision oncology.