OncQuest Laboratories Ltd., the pioneer in oncology clinical testing in the country has launched NPM 1 Exon 12 Mutation Analysis to ascertain the outcome of disease in patients suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). The test is recommended for patients who have normal chromosomal arrangement which is tested using conventional karyotype or cytogenetic analysis.

The company's advanced clinical-research laboratory is equipped with molecular technologies allowing studies in the complex fields of theranostics, pharmacogenomics, companion diagnostics, proteomics, bioinformatics & biomarkers.

AML, the most common form of acute leukaemia (blood cancer) in adults, is a heterogeneous group of diseases. The disease is curable in around 30 per cent of cases. These cases display recurrent chromosomal abnormalities but show favourable prognosis, which is amenable to specific therapies.

However, in 40 to 50 per cent of cases no chromosomal abnormality is visible by conventional karyotyping or chromosome analysis test. Such patients with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia with normal Karyotype ~ NK - AML are considered to have an intermediate prognostic risk ranging between 24 and 42 per cent with 5-year disease free survival (DFS). Studies have proven that NPM 1 Exon 12 Mutation could help in prediction of favourable/unfavourable response in AML patients who have normal karyotype. It can ascertain the good response to introduction therapy in such patients and monitor minimal residual disease in AML patients after chemotherapy.

We have always led the Indian Oncology medical testing domain. There is a need for an effective diagnosis in patients with AML. With the NPM1 Exon12 Mutation Analysis, our endeavour is to continue bringing to market clinically significant and cost effective assays, said Aditya Burman, managing director, OncQuest Laboratories

These tests will be available at all the patient service centers of OncQuest including 45 major towns in India, Colombo and Kathmandu.
OncQuest started its operations in 2002. it has introduced a number of techniques to evaluate the structure of DNA, RNA and Proteins in cells. The most common methods used in the clinical setting include: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Real Time PCR; Fluorescent - In - Situ - Hybridization (FISH); Cytogenetics; Flowcytometry; Immunohistochemistry & Routine Surgical Pathology.