Liquid Biopsy (Cell-Free DNA) EGFR Test Cost & Procedure

This test is used to detect mutations on Exon 20 and 21. It tells whether the patient can adapt EGFR therapy by cDNA in samples.

What is a liquid biopsy?

It uses whole blood as a sample and does not involve tissue portions. It aids in the identification of cancer. Liquid biopsies are helpful for:

• Circulating Tumor cells
• Circulating Tumor DNA

In a biopsy, the tissue portion is detected, whereas in a liquid biopsy, it identifies the DNA of the tumor. Liquid biopsy is not as reliable as routine biopsy.

What is cfDNA?

It stands for circulatory-free DNA screening. Patients who have more cfDNA show cancer symptoms and can have necrosis of cells.

What's EGFR

It stands for Epidermal growth factor receptor. It is a receptor modification membrane protein. Mutation in EGFR- Mutations occur anywhere and cause gene alterations. In the case of EGFR, the modifications are seen in the intracellular parts of proteins.

Symptoms

• Cough
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Pneumonia
• Hoarseness
• Lung infections
• Abdominal pain
• Bone pain
• Clots
• Headache
• Weight Loss

Risk factors of Cancer

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Genetics
• Environmental factors
• Metals and asbestos

Different types of lung cancer

Large cell carcinoma:

• It spreads ghastly as compared to other cancer. Small cancers spread less.

Adenocarcinoma:

• They are the most frequently seen cancer of the lung

Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

• It is bronchial cancer.

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of lung cancer, the following investigations can be recommended by the doctor

• Chest X-Ray
• Bone Scan
• CT Scan
• PET Scan

When should you Get Tested?

It is advised when the patient has been on tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and the disease persists.

Preparation for test 

>>No particular practices are required.

Steps of sample collection

• The blood is needed.
• The needle is pricked into the arm.
• The blood is taken
• out and sent for examination