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Respiragene™ Genetic Panel (Lung Cancer Susceptibility)

All smokers and ex-smokers are at risk of developing lung cancer but genetic predisposition is also a significant independent risk factor [1-3].

Lung cancer is the most lethal of the common cancers:

• 80% of those with lung cancer are dead within two years of diagnosis
• Lung cancer accounts for 1 in 3 of all cancer deaths
• Lung cancer kills more people each year than cancers of the breast, colon, prostate and ovary combined

Research shows that lung cancer risk can be lowered by quitting smoking [4] and also that knowledge of personalized risk factors can help people choose healthier lifestyle options, such as avoiding smoking [5,6].

The Respiragene™ genetic panel will identify which individuals are at:

• Moderate risk: risk approximates with the average smoker (one in 10 chronic smokers will develop lung cancer)
• High risk: Four times more likely to get lung cancer than those at moderate risk
• Very high risk: 10 times those at moderate risk

How the test works:
The Respiragene™ genetic panel [3] is based on a technology that assesses a complex but specific set of 20 sites on the human genome -- single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – that determine an individual’s likelihood of developing lung cancer.  SNPs are identified as either protective or susceptible in their affiliation with the lung cancer cases studied.  The test measures the presence or absence of these SNPs and combines the result with three non-genetic factors – age, family history of lung cancer and past history of COPD, factors also associated with risk of lung cancer [3, 7].

How the Respiragene™ test is done

• Taking the Respiragene™ test is as simple as brushing your teeth. After receiving medical authorization for the test from a doctor, a swab is rubbed against the cheeks inside the mouth to collect a small cell sample.
• This sample is sent to our lab which extracts DNA from the cells and analyzes the specific genetic SNP sequences. The genetic code information is combined with the non-genetic information to produce a score which identifies the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Your personalized score and test results will be available approximately 2 weeks after our lab receives your form and test kit.

References