NGS Cancer Testing Updates with Prof. Dr. Manop
- This text discusses the growing importance of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) - genetic decoding technology - in cancer treatment in Thailand, focusing on the work of Siriraj Genomics...
- * Rapid Sequencing (NGS) is expensive (100,000 baht) but can be highly cost-effective.
- * Siriraj is a leading provider of NGS testing in Thailand due to its size and patient volume.
Summary of the Text: NGS Testing for Cancer Treatment in Thailand
This text discusses the growing importance of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) – genetic decoding technology - in cancer treatment in Thailand, focusing on the work of Siriraj Genomics and its impact on accessibility and patient care.Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1. The Cost-Benefit of NGS Testing:
* Rapid Sequencing (NGS) is expensive (100,000 baht) but can be highly cost-effective. If it reveals a patient doesn’t need expensive medication (potentially worth millions of baht),it saves meaningful money.
* Traditional approach: Prescribe expensive medication, and stop if ineffective.
* NGS approach: Test first to determine if medication is even necessary.
2. Siriraj Genomics as a Hub:
* Siriraj is a leading provider of NGS testing in Thailand due to its size and patient volume.
* Training Center: Siriraj trains personnel (scientists, technicians) from other hospitals wanting to implement NGS.
* Service Provider: Hospitals without NGS capabilities can send samples (blood/biopsy) to Siriraj for testing and receive results electronically or in document form. Currently, Siriraj accepts samples from over 30 hospitals nationwide.
3. Treatment Rights & Coverage:
* Universal Healthcare (NHSO) covers:
* BRCA1 & BRCA2 gene testing for breast cancer patients.
* EGFR gene testing for lung cancer patients.
* Comptroller General’s Department benefits include: More testing options for colon, endometrial, ovarian cancer, and ALK/ROS1 gene testing for lung cancer.
* Future Goal: To expand coverage so all cancer patients can have comprehensive NGS testing for all cancer genes, irrespective of cancer type. (Currently,testing is specific to cancer type).
4. The Importance of genetic Mutation Identification:
* Cancer isn’t a single disease. Even patients with the same type of cancer can have different genetic mutations driving their disease.
* Targeted Therapy: Identifying these mutations is crucial for selecting the right targeted drug.
* Ineffective Treatment Without Mutation knowledge: Without knowing the mutation,patients may receive ineffective chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
* NGS enables personalized medicine: Matching the drug to the specific mutation leads to faster symptom advancement and better outcomes.
5. Current Challenges:
* Access to Technology is improving: NGS is becoming more accessible thanks to centers like Siriraj.
* Access to Treatment remains a barrier: Even with a diagnosis, the high cost of targeted drugs can prevent patients from receiving the most effective treatment.
In essence, the text highlights the shift towards precision medicine in Thailand, driven by NGS technology, and the efforts to make this technology accessible to all cancer patients.