Faster, more affordable tests for cancer, prenatal screening
The Medical City (TMC) has teamed up with biotech leader Gene Solutions to bring advanced DNA testing closer to Filipino families. Through this partnership, a state-of-the-art Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility is now operational at TMC Ortigas, offering faster, more affordable tests for cancer and prenatal screening.
For families who previously had to wait weeks and pay high fees to send DNA samples abroad, this partnership means testing can now be done locally, with results available sooner and at a lower cost.
DNA testing used to be something only a few could access. But with NGS technology now available locally, more Filipinos can benefit from early cancer screening (a simple blood test can detect signs of cancer even before symptoms appear); safe pregnancy screening (mothers-to-be can check their baby’s health without risking the baby’s safety); and personalized treatment (for patients already diagnosed with cancer, doctors can tailor treatments based on the unique genetic makeup of the tumor).
The partnership offers a range of advanced DNA tests, including triSure NIPT, a safe, non-invasive test during pregnancy to screen for common genetic conditions in the baby, and SPOT-MAS, a blood test that can help detect tumor signals by checking for circulating tumor DNA in the bloodstream. This can help detect cancer before any symptoms appear. The technology is available for single-cancer screening, focusing on lung and colorectal cancers.
Another test that’s now available locally is oncoGS, used for patients with cancer to find out which treatments may work best based on their tumor’s unique genetic makeup.
“Before this partnership, we had to send samples to Gene Solutions’ central laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam, which could result in longer wait times and higher logistics costs. Now, with our laboratory partnership with TMC, we are confident that this collaboration will bring significant benefits and greater accessibility to Filipino patients,” said Mary Josephine Rapadas, Gene Solutions Philippines director.
The cost of testing is also lower with the elimination of international shipping and handling fees. Free posttest counseling is available to support patients every step of the way.
“This collaboration is part of The Medical City’s commitment to give patients access to medical innovations that can lead to better outcomes,” said Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, executive vice president and CEO of TMC Ortigas.
These services will soon be available at other The Medical City hospitals and clinics nationwide, with all DNA samples processed locally at the Ortigas laboratory.
Visit themedicalcity.com to book an appointment.
