HTG Molecular Diagnostics Inc, Tucson, Ariz, a provider of instruments, reagents, and services for molecular profiling applications, has launched its HTG EdgeSeq precision immunooncology panel, and has also delivered its first orders to translational and clinical researchers working in the field of cancer immunology and cancer immunotherapy.
The research-use-only (RUO) profiling panel enables users to examine samples for a comprehensive set of genes involved in the host immune response to tumors. Using a single 5-µm section of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, the panel profiles 1,392 genes, without the RNA extraction and complex workflow associated with standard RNA-seq methods.
“We are thrilled to offer this comprehensive RUO panel,” says Mike Hrubiak, senior vice president of HTG’s profiling business unit. “While progress has been made in immunotherapies, much work still remains on biomarker development to better identify patients who will respond or not respond to these therapies, and we believe our panel, with its 1,392 genes, will go a long way in helping reach that goal.”
The HTG immunooncology panel includes applications such as the immunophenotyping of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, monitoring of immunotherapy response biomarkers, and the elucidation of immune-escape mechanisms known to drive disease progression. “We designed this comprehensive assay with input from our scientific advisory panel to further explore areas of immunooncology research, including immunophenotyping, tumor inflammation status, and immune-resistance pathways,” says Hrubiak.
The ability to characterize immune response in tumor environments is believed to be key to developing strategies for recruiting the body’s immune system to recognize and respond to cancer cells.
By using the HTG EdgeSeq precision immunooncology panel, researchers can go from raw sample to sequencing-ready libraries in as little as 36 hours, with less than 4 hours of hands-on time. HTG is also developing analytic modules to provide researchers with the answers they need, and also to provide labs with a complete solution to empower precision medicine.
HTG’s EdgeSeq processor and proprietary assays provide users the ability to profile a wide variety of sample types, enabling them to accelerate discovery, support translational applications, and determine potential biomarkers for development of companion diagnostics.
To learn more, visit HTG Molecular Diagnostics.
