06/03/2026
Every cancer has a genetic story behind it. NGS, or next-generation sequencing, helps us read that story and choose therapies that truly match the biology of the disease, allowing for personalized treatment plans that can significantly improve patient outcomes.
At CancerFax, we strongly believe genomic testing should become a routine part of cancer care so patients can access the most precise and effective treatment options available today.
From DNA to Drug Selection: How NGS Actually Works?
Your patient has advanced cancer. You suspect there might be a targeted mutation. Here’s what happens when you order NGS (next-generation sequencing):
Step 1: Sample Collection
Tumor tissue (biopsy or surgical specimen) or a liquid biopsy (blood draw) is collected.
Step 2: DNA Extraction
Genomic DNA is extracted from tumor cells and fragmented into millions of small pieces.
Step 3: Library Preparation
DNA fragments are tagged and prepared for sequencing. Target genes are captured using a panel (e.g., 300–500 cancer-related genes).
Step 4: Sequencing
Millions of DNA fragments are read simultaneously; this is the “next-generation” part. Unlike Sanger sequencing (1 gene at a time), NGS reads thousands of genes in parallel.
Step 5: Bioinformatics Analysis
Sophisticated algorithms compare the tumor DNA to a reference genome, identifying mutations, fusions, copy number changes, TMB, and MSI status.
Step 6: Clinical Report
Results are compiled into an actionable report: which mutations were found, which therapies they respond to, and which clinical trials are available.
The entire process takes 7–14 days from sample to report.
One test. Hundreds of answers. That’s the power of NGS.
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