Palmetto GBA has awarded Medicare coverage to the proprietary cancer profiling test Gem Extra from Ashion Analytics, Phoenix, Ariz. “Gem Extra was designed to be fast and accurate, and now with Medicare coverage, it is also more affordable for a larger set of patients,” says Ashion Medical Director Janine LoBello, DO. “Gem Extra differs from other genomic tests on the market due to its versatility, breadth, and depth, including the power to sensitively detect mutations with low tumor purity.” Ashion’s flagship clinical assay detects tumor-specific mutations, allowing physicians to make the best available treatment recommendations for patients with advanced solid tumors. Gem Extra features whole exome sequencing, a molecular-level analysis of each patient’s entire protein-coding DNA. The proprietary test identifies point mutations, amplifications, deletions, translocations and transcriptome sequencing. It flags the expression of both rare and common fusion genes and alternatively spliced transcripts (ARv7, EGFRvIII and others). Positive findings in this data may guide patient treatment, leading to more targeted, effective therapies. As an example, the test includes reporting on immuno-oncology markers, providing clinicians with important information on the potential utility of powerful immune checkpoint treatments. Gem Extra is available for use with a variety of biological sample types, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens and fresh-frozen tissue for solid tumors. Results are reported back to physicians within 14 calendar days. For more information, visit Ashion Analytics.