OncQuest Laboratories Ltd., a pioneer in Indian oncology clinical testing, has introduced the K-RAS Mutation Analysis for determining therapeutic response of the targeted therapies in colorectal and lung cancers.

The technologically advanced laboratory is fully equipped with molecular technologies allowing for rapid advancement in the complex field of theranostics, pharmacogenomics, companion diagnostics, proteomics, bioinformatics & biomarker studies.

Current treatment strategies for colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer include therapy targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and tyrosine kinase (TK) respectively. However, studies have shown that a mutation in the K-RAS gene gives rise to resistance to these targeted therapies. The incidence of K-RAS mutations is about 40 per cent in colorectal cancer tumours and 25 per cent of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC).

Confirmed status of mutations in the gene K-RAS therefore is important information for oncologists to have when deciding on a treatment regimen that may contain EGFR-targeted or tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies. International studies have concluded that the K-RAS gene mutations are associated with poor prognosis and lack of response to EGFR or tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies. Therefore, analysis of mutations in the gene K-RAS is a vital tool for prognostication of colorectal & lung cancer patients.

"We will continue to bring more tests effective tests to equip the clinicians to treat the patients", stated Aditya Burman, managing director, OncQuest Laboratories.

The K-RAS Mutation Analysis has also been recommended internationally by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) before starting targeted therapies in both metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, thus helping the clinicians in recommending the right therapy, said Vivek Trikha, head - diagnostics, OncQuest Laboratories.

These tests will be available at all the servicing centres of OncQuest including 45 major towns in India, Colombo and Kathmandu.