Molecular Cancer
Services
At Clinical Labs, we aspire to provide leadership and diagnostic excellence across all of our specialties, and our commitment to oncology is no exception. In addition to leading the industry in traditional molecular analysis with ground-breaking core laboratories, our genetics test centres offer an innovative platform where our pathologists focus their expertise on a comprehensive testing selection dedicated exclusively to oncology.
Our RCPA/NATA-accredited Molecular Genetics Labs offer a comprehensive selection of market leading, innovative, accurate and timely cancer screening services – from Somatic Mutation testing in solid tumours to Aspect Liquid Biopsy and beyond. For detailed information, please select the relevant page below.
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Molecular Cancer Services at Clinical Labs: An Overview
Somatic Mutation in Solid Tumours
Clinical Labs uses a high-quality genomic analysis, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) testing panels designed to investigate multiple relevant actionable mutations in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour samples. The efficiency of NGS of DNA and RNA has led to an increasing number of large, targeted multi-gene somatic mutation panels that provide a more efficient, cost- and tissue-saving tumour analysis. They confer greater depth of coverage in selected areas of interest (e.g., hotspot regions with known actionable mutations, rarer mutations and tumour sub-clones), faster turnaround, and more clinically relevant data.We currently offer Somatic Mutation testing for the following cancers: Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Melanoma, Breast Cancer and Thyroid Cancer.
Aspect Liquid Biopsy: Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) Testing in Plasma
Aspect Liquid Biopsy is a new, non-invasive, safe and ultrasensitive cancer screening option which identifies genomic alterations from a simple blood test using the circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). Clinical Labs is proud to be the first Australian private laboratory to offer liquid biopsy, allowing oncologists to choose a targeted therapy, monitor treatment resistance and detect minimal residual disease, without patients undergoing an invasive procedure.At Clinical Labs we currently offer Aspect Liquid Biopsy testing for the following cancers: Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer and Melanoma.
EndoPredict: Performed locally in Australia and partially Medicare rebatable
EndoPredict is a second-generation gene expression test for superior prognostic power and is currently only available with Clinical Labs. EndoPredict is the only prognostic test that provides insights into the risk of breast cancer recurrence, the benefits of chemotherapy and the suitability for extended endocrine therapy in women with ER+, HER2- primary breast cancer.
Pharmacogenetics in Oncology
Testing of a patient's genetic pharmacogenetic biomarkers, providing information on how this will affect a patients’ responses to oncology therapy.
Breast Cancer
EndoPredict testing and Somatic Mutation in solid tumours gene panel testing (including PIK3CA) for Breast Cancer.
Blood Cancer
Qualitative and quantitative BCR-ABL molecular genetic testing for haematological malignancies.
Melanoma
Somatic Mutation and Aspect Liquid Biopsy gene panel testing for Melanoma including BRAF.
Colorectal Cancer
Somatic Mutation and Aspect Liquid Biopsy gene panel testing for Colorectal Cancer including KRAS & NRAS.
Lung Cancer
Somatic Mutation and Aspect Liquid Biopsy gene panel testing for Lung Cancer including EGFR T790M.
Comprehensive Somatic Mutation Testing
Testing of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes that are frequently mutated in solid tumours.
About the Author
Associate Professor Mirette Saad
MBBS(Hons) MD(Hons) MAACB FRCPA PhDAssociate Professor Mirette Saad
MBBS(Hons) MD(Hons) MAACB FRCPA PhD- antenatal screening
- cancer genetics
- clinical research and medical teaching
- endocrine
- fertility testing
- molecular genetics
- nipt
- precision medicine
Associate Professor Mirette Saad is a Consultant Chemical Pathologist and the National Director of Molecular Genetics at Australian Clinical Labs. She has a Fellowship with honours in Chemical and Molecular Pathology, with Microbiology sub-speciality, from overseas. A/P Saad received her NHMRC sponsored PhD degree in Cancer Genetics from Melbourne University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute. Along with her teaching and research roles, A/P Saad is a registered medical practitioner with AHPRA, a Chemical Pathology Fellow (FRCPA) at the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and a Member of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (MAACB). She is a Chair of the RCPA Chemical Pathology Advisory Committee, Member of the RCPA Genetic Advisory Committee, AACB and a Chair of the Precision Medicine Services at Australian Clinical Labs. At Clinical Labs, A/Prof Mirette Saad leads the Molecular Genetic testing for NIPT, antenatal screening, personalised drug therapy and cancer.