Illumina Inc. unveiled some of its latest research findings to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago. Among the highlights are studies conducted in collaboration with Labcorp and Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), aimed at advancing genomic testing as the standard of care in oncology.
The partnership between Illumina and Labcorp has resulted in the acceptance of five abstracts at ASCO. Together, they are working on establishing evidence of the clinical impact and value of comprehensive biomarker testing across various cancer types. Notable among these is a study showcasing the development and application of a machine learning algorithm trained on multiomics biomarkers for detecting tumor microsatellite instability (MSI), particularly common in certain cancers like colorectal cancer and endometrial adenocarcinomas. This algorithm demonstrates accurate MSI status assessment using comprehensive genomic and immune profiling (CGIP) data.
Furthermore, Illumina’s collaboration with leading research institutions, including SCRI, underscores the superiority of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) over single-gene testing (SGT) in oncology. A real-world analysis conducted with SCRI reveals that CGP outperforms SGT in guideline-recommended biomarker selection for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The findings emphasize the importance of transitioning to comprehensive next-generation sequencing as the standard of care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Additionally, Illumina presents progress on its molecular residual disease (MRD) assay, showcasing its analytical performance evaluation at ASCO 2024. This assay, developed on a whole-genome backbone, boasts fast turnaround times, low input requirements, and high sensitivity and specificity, positioning it as a promising tool in oncology care.
These advancements underscore Illumina’s commitment to leveraging genomic technologies to improve human health. As a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, Illumina’s innovative solutions span across various sectors, including life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, and agriculture, aiming to provide precision oncology solutions for patients worldwide.