Ambry Genetics announced the launch of its +RNAinsight paired testing of RNA and DNA to check for genes associated with hereditary cancers.
Testing for both provides more information about genetic risks for cancer, beyond what is available with DNA alone, the company explained. The goal is to identify more patients with genetic risk factors and take action to prevent or detect and treat cancers early. In a prospective study of 2,500 patients, there was an increase of 7% in genetic risk factors identified, and paired testing appears to have a greater impact for particular high-risk genes, such as BRCA1, PMS2, and MSH2, the company noted.
The service is now available to healthcare providers in the U.S. as an add-on to hereditary cancer panels. RNA testing is available for the following genes: APC, ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 exons 1-10, MUTYH, NF1, PTEN, PALB2, RAD51C, and TP53.
Turnaround time ranges from 14 to 21 days for paired testing, which is the same as for DNA alone, according to the company.
