Oncomine Blog - Next Generation Sequencing in Precision Oncology

University of Munich Evaluates the Oncomine Comprehensive Plus Assay for HRD Detection

Written by Thermo Fisher Scientific Staff | Sep 22, 2021 3:52:47 PM

Our OncomineWorld event in 2021 brought thousands of professionals together from around the world to advance our understanding of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in precision oncology research. By enabling simultaneous, comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of multiple biomarkers in a single assay, NGS
is propelling research forward in a multitude of ways.

Andreas Jung, PhD
Professor for Molecular Pathology,

Head of Unit Tumormorphogenesis & Molecular Pathology,
Institute of Pathology, University of Munich

Dr. Andreas Jung, Professor of Molecular Pathology, University of Munich, presented the benefits of CGP and shared how they utilize it in their lab for the detection of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). He began with a brief overview of HRD, why it’s important in oncology research, and the current methods of detection. After making the case for the signatures TMB (tumor mutation burden), MSI
(microsatellite instability), and HRD as NGS biomarkers, Dr. Jung discussed why having more genetic information that includes small genomic changes (SVV, del, ins, delins), translocations/ fusion, signatures (LOH, MSI, TMB) is valuable to oncology researchers.

Dr. Jung evaluated the Oncomine Comprehensive Plus assay for the detection of multi-gene biomarkers, including (HRD) and mutational signatures. Performance was assessed against the well-established NGS Orthogonal Method. He concluded that the Oncomine Comprehensive Plus assay was preferable to the orthogonal assay in terms of HRD detection, small sample size requirements, and its efficient analysis.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Detection of chromosomal rearrangement in HRD is possible by coarse coverage of the genome
  • Signatures are next-generation biomarkers indicating a functional loss of certain pathways, esp. DNArepairmechanisms—TMB (tumor mutation burden), MSI (microsatellite instability), HRD
  • There is a need for comprehensive (NGS-based) multifactorial analysis in oncology research
  • Amplicon based systems have advantages when it comes to small(er) tissue samples
  • The Oncomine Comprehensive Plus assay is a solution for CGP and the detection of small alterations (SVV, del, ins, delins), translocations/ fusion, signatures (LOH, MSI, TMB)

View Dr. Jung’s HRD Full Presentation With Q&As

 

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.