Oncolab Diagnostics

31/07/2024

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/prerna-gowreesunker-22399513b_ngs-karyotyping-cancerdiagnostics-activity-7221403675422801920-XmVM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_

31/01/2024

The Oncomine Myeloid MRD Assay (RUO)

To help advance important MRD research in AML and other myeloid neoplasms, Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the Oncomine Myeloid MRD Assay (RUO). This advanced NGS test offers an MRD-specific DNA and RNA panel, which enables labs to track DNA-level genetic alterations and chimeric gene fusions simultaneously.

The panel content covers genes associated with a range of myeloid neoplasms, including AML, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloid proliferative neoplasms (MPN). Using highly sensitive AmpliSeqHD technology, the assay can achieve a low limit of detection, down to 0.05% allele frequency.

Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogenous group of malignancies, driven by various mutations and/or chromosomal aberrations.

22/01/2024

NGS: An Emerging Technique for MRD Analysis

Significant research efforts are currently ongoing to develop better standards and evaluate new genetic testing methods for MRD in AML. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is an emerging technique that holds great promise for MRD assessment. Like PCR, NGS can track a range of genetic alterations and the analysis is not reliant on subjective interpretation like MFC.

The fundamental advantage is that NGS can evaluate many genetic targets simultaneously, so that labs can assess a wide range of mutations across multiple different samples with a single universal test.

Assessing a wide range of mutations in important because clonal evolution in AML can occur through the acquisition of additional mutations that were not present in the original leukemic clone, which can become drivers for disease relapse.

Techniques that only track known mutations can miss acquired mutations in emerging sub-clones. For example, a recent study demonstrated that some NPM1 mutations observed at diagnosis were not present in relapsed clone.

15/01/2024

How is leukaemia treated?

Follow the series, as we discuss all the treatment options mentioned below:

-Watchful waiting

-Radiation

-Chemotherapy

-Targeted therapy

-Immunotherapy

-CAR-T

-Stem cell transplant

15/01/2024

Oncomine Myeloid Research Assay

One single assay for comprehensive coverage of relevant myeloid mutations.
Current methods for the analysis of hematological malignancies often involve multiple sequential tests and laborious workflows. Adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) into clinical research laboratories has created an unprecedented opportunity to profile the multiple relevant driver genes in myeloid malignancies in a single test.

The Ion Torrent Oncomine Myeloid Research Assay is a comprehensive, targeted NGS assay designed to assist in the understanding of myeloid cancer. Specifically, it interrogates relevant DNA mutations and fusion transcripts associated with myeloid disorders in a quick and easy NGS run.

05/01/2024

Meet Maxine Draper...

Maxine Draper is a passionate and inquisitive Medical Scientist whose love for learning and dedication to helping others have defined her exemplary career. Maxine's journey in the field of medical science is a testament to her insatiable curiosity, and her unwavering dedication and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

Maxine embarked on her academic journey at the University of Pretoria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences with majors in Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. Her natural affinity for the sciences led her to pursue higher education, and she earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anatomy with a specialization in Cell Biology and Histology from the same institution.

Maxine then did an enriching internship in Haematology, a pivotal chapter that deepened her expertise in the field. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning earned her registration as a Medical Scientist with the HPCSA in 2020, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.

Throughout her career, Maxine's work has been characterised by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Her commitment to knowledge expansion and collaboration shines through her active participation in the vibrant team at the Oncology lab. Maxine not only embraces the challenge of acquiring new skills but also fosters an environment of great teamwork, recognising the collective strength that collaboration brings to the pursuit of scientific excellence.

Beyond her technical proficiency, Maxine's known genuine enthusiasm for her work, coupled with her love for helping others, underscores her commitment to making a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and the advancement of medical science. As a dedicated and vibrant Medical Scientist, she exemplifies the qualities of a lifelong learner and a compassionate professional in the pursuit of scientific excellence

28/12/2023

Oncolab officially opened the Wilgers STAT laboratory on the 18th of December!
Good luck Lizelle and Zielke for 2024!

11/12/2023

Meet our dedicated team of Scientists!
Introducing Dianca Taljaard:

Dianca Taljaard is a passionate scientist with a love for all things related to science. Holding a BSc Honours degree in Biotechnology from the University of Pretoria, she has dedicated a decade to the field, bringing her expertise to the laboratory. Dianca is a registered medical scientist with the HPCSA, showcasing her commitment to professionalism.

Her journey has been marked by a genuine enthusiasm for learning new laboratory procedures, cultivating a deep appreciation for quality in her work. Beyond her technical prowess, Dianca is known for her fun personality and has a knack for uplifting the spirits of her co-workers. With a decade of experience and a continuous thirst for knowledge, Dianca Taljaard stands as a dedicated and vibrant contributor to the world of science and healthcare.

14/11/2023

Oncolab Diagnostics supports Diabetes awareness day.

26/09/2023

BCR (gene)

The breakpoint cluster region protein (BCR) also known as renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-26 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BCR gene. BCR is one of the two genes in the BCR-ABL fusion protein, which is associated with the Philadelphia chromosome. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.

19/09/2023

ABL (gene)

Tyrosine-protein kinase ABL1 also known as ABL1 is a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the ABL1 gene (previous symbol ABL) located on chromosome 9. c-Abl is sometimes used to refer to the version of the gene found within the mammalian genome, while v-Abl refers to the viral gene, which was initially isolated from the Abelson murine leukemia virus.

12/09/2023

Bcr-Abl tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI):

Bcr-Abl (TKI) are the first-line therapy for most patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). More than 90% of CML cases are caused by a chromosomal abnormality that results in the formation of a so-called Philadelphia chromosome. This abnormality was discovered by Peter Nowell in 1960 and is a consequence of fusion between the Abelson (Abl) tyrosine kinase gene at chromosome 9 and the break point cluster (Bcr) gene at chromosome 22, resulting in a chimeric oncogene (Bcr-Abl) and a constitutively active Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of CML. Compounds have been developed to selectively inhibit the tyrosine kinase.