Copyright International Business Times
Genome Based Diagnostics has announced the launch of its proprietary Liquid Biopsy Kits, designed to aid in the early detection of certain cancers. The kits are expected to roll out later this quarter, representing a significant step in non-invasive cancer diagnosis. Founded by Dr. Thomas Crisman, Genome Based Diagnostics has focused on developing accessible and reliable testing solutions that leverage advanced DNA/RNA extraction technology. The company's liquid biopsy kits use first void urine, blood and oral swabs, offering a convenient alternative to traditional biopsy procedures offering a less invasive approach to provide rich genetic analysis. "Our liquid biopsy kits are designed to detect cell-free DNA, RNA, and even tumor cells in various body fluids," Crisman says. "With our extraction techniques, we may yield sufficient genetic material that could significantly improve the sensitivity and accuracy of early detection." The kits are intended to provide insights into cancers that are often difficult to detect in their early stages. After analyzing genetic material in urine, blood or oral swabs, the company's approach may identify potential signs of cancer before an actual diagnosis, giving clinicians and patients a potentially significant window for early intervention. "Early detection is closely linked to survival outcomes," Crisman explains." We aim to identify potential risks before symptoms emerge. Our goal is to provide actionable insights that could help guide preventive measures with clinical follow-up." In addition to cancer detection, Genome Based Diagnostics is expanding its capabilities to detect clinically relevant pathogens, including HPV in female first void urine samples and Epstein Barr DNA viral load in blood. Crisman emphasizes that while the kits are not yet capable of detecting every type of cancer, the company is initially focusing on forms such as urothelial bladder cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinomas, cervical and kidney cancers. Ease of use and sample stability are central to the design of Genome Based Diagnostic kits. Patients can collect samples at home following simple step-by-step instructions, the urine specimen collection kits are stable up to 7 days, the oral kits may be stable for up to 60 days. Once collected, samples are processed in Genome Based Diagnostics'award winning CLIA-certified laboratory located inside a strictly maintained self sterilising clean room. "Our lab adheres to rigorous standards for sample handling, personnel training, and protocol validation," Crisman shares. "We're committed to a transparent validation process and meet or exceed traditional validation standards before we commit to a full market roll out of a test type to ensure the reliability and credibility of our testing." The company remains cautious about making definitive medical claims, yet Dr. Crisman believes the liquid biopsy kits have the potential to transform preventative healthcare. "So many lives are often lost due to a delayed cancer diagnosis. Liquid Biopsy Testing is a good first step toward changing that," he notes. "At Genome Based Diagnostics, we're focused on rethinking how we can approach early detection and personalized healthcare. Right now NGS data provides the most accurate results for cancer screening, analysis and diagnosis, but it is an expensive process and frequently patients' cancers aren't sequenced until well after they are diagnosed and a traditional biopsy is taken directly from a piece of the cancerous or suspected cancerous tissue. Full sequencing is also not always covered by health insurance. Our testing is designed to catch those cases early when they are much more easy to treat and are inexpensive enough to make it more accessible to everyone." As awareness of the importance of early cancer detection grows, Genome Based Diagnostics' advanced Liquid Biopsy Kits hold the potential to offer patients a practical and non-invasive way to take charge of their health. In its attempt to combine innovative laboratory techniques to create low cost high accessibility testing where patients are under the guidance of an oncologist capable of self collecting their specimen at home; the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a shift toward easily accessible preventative healthcare.
