Somatic Cancer Screening Panel

Early molecular insight from a simple blood sample. The AveGene Somatic Cancer Screening Panel is an advanced liquid biopsy screening test designed to analyze a blood sample for clinically relevant genetic alterations associated with a broad range of cancers. Instead of relying on tissue sampling, the test uses circulating DNA fragments present in the blood and analyzes them using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.

The test is designed as a multi-cancer screening solution, examining a carefully selected panel of genes associated with a wide range of cancers and cancer-related conditions. The panel includes genes such as AKT1, APC, ATM, BRAF, BRCA1, BRCA2, EGFR, ERBB2, KRAS, MET, NRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, RB1, RET, STK11 and TP53, among many others. According to AveGene, the panel design takes into account recommendations from ESMO and ACMG.

How does liquid biopsy work?

Cancer and other disease processes can be associated with changes in DNA. Fragments of DNA can circulate in the bloodstream, including cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and, where present, tumor-derived circulating DNA (ctDNA).

In the AveGene testing process, DNA/RNA is isolated from the blood sample and analyzed using NGS. The sequencing data is then processed through bioinformatic analysis to identify relevant genetic variants and assess their significance. The resulting data is reviewed by genetic specialists and subsequently evaluated by oncologists before the final report is prepared.

This approach makes it possible to obtain broad molecular information from a minimally invasive blood sample, without requiring a tissue biopsy as the initial sampling method.

A comprehensive multi-cancer panel

The Somatic Cancer Screening Panel is designed to examine genetic variants associated with a broad spectrum of cancer types rather than focusing on a single organ or disease.

The panel currently includes more than 40 genes, covering important pathways and genes frequently associated with oncological disease. This broad panel is particularly relevant when the objective is general multi-cancer screening rather than testing for one predefined cancer type.

From blood collection to genetic report

The process is designed to be straightforward:

1. Blood collection
A venous blood sample of 2 × 10 ml is collected using the dedicated AveGene collection kit.

2. Sample transportation
The sample is prepared using the supplied transport components and sent to an AveGene collection centre or central laboratory.

3. Laboratory quality control
Upon arrival, the sample undergoes quality assessment to verify DNA/RNA integrity and ensure that the sample is suitable for analysis. The laboratory process includes multiple quality-control stages from library preparation through sequencing.

4. NGS analysis
The extracted genetic material is processed using Next Generation Sequencing technology and analyzed for relevant variants.

5. Specialist review
Sequencing results are reviewed by genetic specialists and subsequently evaluated by oncologists before the final report is issued.

6. Secure reporting
The final results are provided as an encrypted PDF report. Additional sequencing data can also be made available for physicians where required, and online consultation with a genetic specialist or oncologist may be arranged.

Results in approximately 15–20 working days

The published turnaround time for the Somatic Cancer Screening Panel is 15–20 working days from receipt of the appropriate sample.

Screening is not the same as diagnosis

It is important to understand the intended role of this technology. The Somatic Cancer Screening Panel is a screening and early-detection tool, not a standalone diagnostic test.

A detected genetic variant does not, by itself, establish that a patient has cancer. Results must be interpreted together with the patient's medical history, clinical condition, physical examination and, where appropriate, additional diagnostic investigations. AveGene explicitly states that diagnosis must be made by authorized medical professionals.

A positive or potentially significant result can therefore serve as an early alert that may justify further medical investigation, allowing the patient's physician to determine what additional examinations are appropriate.

Why liquid biopsy?

Traditional cancer investigation can require imaging, invasive tissue biopsy or other organ-specific examinations. Liquid biopsy offers a fundamentally different sampling approach: a blood draw can provide access to circulating genetic information without directly sampling a tumour.

For screening purposes, this offers several practical advantages:

• Minimally invasive — based on a standard venous blood sample.

• Broad molecular coverage — multiple cancer-associated genes are evaluated in one panel.

• Multi-cancer approach — not limited to a single organ or suspected cancer type.

• NGS-based analysis — enables parallel analysis of numerous genetic targets.

• Specialist interpretation — results are reviewed through genetic and oncological expertise.

• Convenient sample logistics — the dedicated collection and transport system allows the sample to be processed through the established laboratory workflow.

A modern approach to proactive health screening

The fundamental value of the Somatic Cancer Screening Panel is its ability to bring advanced molecular analysis into a comparatively simple blood-based screening workflow.

Rather than waiting for symptoms to develop or for a specific cancer to be suspected, molecular screening can provide an additional source of information about genetic changes that may warrant closer medical attention.

FENARIS makes this advanced liquid biopsy technology available as part of our selected portfolio of next-generation medical and diagnostic solutions.

One blood sample. Broad molecular screening. Earlier insight.