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Singapore General Hospital and Thermo Fisher Scientific Collaborate to Identify the Prevalence of Asian-Specific Genetic Mutations in Cancer

Thermo Fisher Scientific
5 Nov 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Industry news

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Thermo Fisher Scientific today announced the establishment of a collaborative partnership aimed at identifying cancer genetic mutations linked with Asian populations using Thermo Fisher’s Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform.

The research collaboration will take phased approaches to analyze retrospective samples from cancer patients with Asian ancestry to identify the mutational profiles and their differences from existing data of reference populations, which principally contain data from individuals of Caucasian ancestry.

In the first phase of the project, SGH will perform a validation study using the Ion PGM platform and the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay. The project will then move to NGS-based prospective data analysis of multiple cancers by using formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues and, potentially, other types of clinical samples. The objective is to realize the highest levels of data acquisition that will lead to new tests with clinical actionability in the future.

"This collaboration with Singapore General Hospital underscores our sustained commitment to serve our global customers in their respective oncology research and clinical communities,” said Mike Nolan, vice president and general manager of oncology for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We will continue on this path of providing the most advanced tools that add great value in the global effort to manage cancer.”

“Investigating the differences in cancer gene mutations among different populations is an essential factor in advancing healthcare in a multiracial and multicultural society,” said Prof Tan Puay Hoon, Head, Department of Pathology, SGH. “This partnership will enable the oncology community to take steps toward realizing better and personalized care in the region.”

This research is part of the POLARIS@SingHealth program funded by A*STAR to enable cutting-edge omics technologies and translate them for disease diagnosis and treatment in Singapore in the future. This will be actualized by establishing the necessary infrastructure and resources, together with its clinical partners.

The project is supported in part by the Central R&D of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The Ion PGM system and the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay are For Research Use only; Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.MutationMutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders. Analyzing mutations is crucial in diagnostics, drug development, and personalized medicine. Explore mutation detection tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.FFPEFormalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are commonly used in medical research, particularly in histology and cancer studies. The preservation process allows long-term storage of tissue samples for later analysis. Explore FFPE research products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Data AcquisitionData acquisition refers to the collection and organization of information and data sets.Genetic VariationCancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.

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Singapore General Hospital and Thermo Fisher Scientific Collaborate to Identify the Prevalence of Asian-Specific Genetic Mutations in Cancer