New Blood Test from Roche Detects Common Gene Mutations

The FoundationOne Liquid test is one step toward personalized cancer treatments.

The first product from U.S.-based genetic profiling company Foundation Medicine since it was acquired by Roche for $2.4 billion will be reaching the market soon. The FoundationOne Liquid blood test can identify common gene mutations from solid tumors from a patient’s blood.  

Roche made the acquisition of Foundation Medicine in response to the company’s belief that personalized cancer treatments designed in direct response to the nature of each individual patients’ tumors are where cancer treatment is headed.

The new blood test can identify circulating tumor DNA from up to 70 of the most commonly mutated genes in solid tumors, according to Roche. In some cases, information can be obtained that can be used to identify patients that are likely to benefit the most from cancer immunotherapy. Roche believes the test will be used by all doctors regardless of the drugs (and drug manufacturers) ultimately chosen by them.

 

 

Cynthia A. Challener, Ph.D.

Dr. Challener is an established industry editor and technical writing expert in the areas of chemistry and pharmaceuticals. She writes for various corporations and associations, as well as marketing agencies and research organizations, including That’s Nice and Nice Insight.

Q: