This test applies next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)
Screening for the five most common types of cancer in Vietnam (liver, breast, lung, colorectal and stomach) from a single blood sample
ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) is DNA released from cancerous cells and tumors, circulating freely in the bloodstream.
ctDNA analysis based on NGS is a global trend in early cancer detection.
ctDNA can be detected through a blood test and has been shown to be a valuable tool in the cancer early detection, especially for those healthy and asymptomatic.
How SPOT-MAS works
1
Tumor cells (if any) in the body.
2
Tumor cells, as they die, release small fragments of DNA into the bloodstream, which are called “circulating tumor DNA” (ctDNA).
3
Drawing a sample of blood (10ml) via a Streck tub to extract cfDNA from blood plasma.
4
Apply next-generation sequencing to detect four different features of ctDNA from tumor cells (as distinguished from cfDNA released by healthy cells)
5
If ctDNA is detected, the origin of the signs of cancer can be predicted through machine-learning algorithms modeled on more than 20,000 cases of cancer. The result will support doctors in guiding their patients to the next steps.
Understanding the results of SPOT-MAS
The results of the SPOT-MAS test will be sent to customers within 30 days of the date your sample arrived at the Gene Solutions laboratory.
The two possible test results are: “ctDNA detected” or “No ctDNA detected”:
ctDNA detected
Next step:
No ctDNA detected
Next step:
How is SPOT-MAS different from hereditary cancer screening tests?
Hereditary cancer screening tests look for genes with mutations linked to cancer risks, and do not tell whether you have cancer at the time of testing.
Scientific evidence
What experts say
Tran Le Son, PhD.
ctDNA technology enables multi-cancer early detection (MCED) through a single blood draw. Non-invasive, convenient, accurate and accessible, the test is very promising in opening a new era in the world's fight against cancer.
Nguyen Duy Sinh, MD
Cancer cells may develop so silently within our body for as long as 12 years without patients being aware of any symptom, until it is too late. Therefore, detecting cancer at early stages determines the efficacy of treatment.
Advantages of the SPOT-MAS test
Defect
of the most common types of cancer
Proven accuracy
The accuracy in early cancer detection and tumor origin prediction are validated in clinical studies.
The licensed SPOT-MAS test is a supportive screening one, and does not replace current cancer screening guidelines.
Routine screening methods:
Breast cancer:
X-ray & Mammogram
Liver cancer:
X-ray, CT-SCAN, MRI
Lung cancer:
Low-dose CT (imaging)
Colorectal cancer:
Colonoscopy
Stomach cancer:
Gastroscopy
* If you would like to know more about these tests, please contact nearby hospitals or clinics for more details.
Who should take the SPOT-MAS test?
Recommended for:
People Aged 40 or older
Adults with an elevated risk of cancer(*) or family history of cancer(**)
Not recommended for:
People with symptoms of cancer or who have been diagnosed with cancer
Adults with an elevated risk of cancer(*) or family history of cancer(**)
People with tumors/lesions that could interfere with ctDNA signals
People who have had a marrow transplant or whole blood transfusion within 3 months of the test.
(*) Smoking more than 20 packs/year or passive smokers;
who drink more than 15 cans/week for men and eight cans/week for women;
people who are constantly exposed to toxic substances or a polluted environment.
(**) Family history of having been diagnosed with cancer.
Schedule a consultation
The ctDNA analysis test is recommended for adults at high cancer risk, such as those aged 40 years and older. The ctDNA analysis test detects cancer cell signals and predicts the location of the tumor in the body.
Do not provide the test for pregnant women or people who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing cancer treatment. Not recommended for people under 21.
The ctDNA analysis test does not detect all cancers because they are out of the detection range (which includes liver, breast, lung, colorectal and stomach cancer), or if the tumors are too small and located at positions where ctDNA is rarely released. The SPOT-MAS test should be used as a supportive screening method, and is not recommended as a replacement for current cancer screening guidelines.
The ctDNA analysis test does not measure a person's risk of developing cancer in the future and has screening implications only at that present moment. False-positive (a sign of cancer detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a sign of cancer is not detected when cancer is in fact present) test results do occur in the SPOT-MAS test.