LucenceINSIGHT™ Liquid Biopsy Cancer Screening
What Is a Liquid Biopsy?
A liquid biopsy is a blood test that identifies cancer by detecting circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the bloodstream. Unlike traditional biopsies, which involve sampling tissue from tumours, this approach offers a less invasive means to gather genetic insights about the cancer. Liquid biopsies are valuable for early detection, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and tracking cancer recurrence.
Between 2017 and 2021, the Singapore Cancer Registry reported that an average of 46 people were diagnosed with cancer daily, and 16 people succumbed to it each day. With about 1 in 4 individuals potentially developing cancer in their lifetime, early detection becomes critical to improve survival rates.
How Does a Liquid Biopsy Work?
Tumour cells release ctDNA into the bloodstream, carrying genetic information that can be analysed from a simple blood sample. This allows doctors to detect the presence of cancer and gather important information on genetic mutations and alterations, which help guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Benefits of Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsies present several advantages:
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional biopsies, only a blood sample is required, making it a convenient and less painful option.
- Early Detection and Broad Testing: They can detect cancer before symptoms appear and assess multiple cancer types simultaneously.
- Real-Time Monitoring: This method allows for regular, non-invasive monitoring of cancer progression and treatment response.
- Targeted Treatment: By examining the genetic data from ctDNA, doctors can personalise treatments to attack specific mutations.
However, liquid biopsies have certain limitations. They may not be as effective in detecting small or early-stage tumours as traditional methods, and their specificity and sensitivity can depend on the type and stage of cancer. Additionally, ctDNA levels in the blood can fluctuate, which may impact the test's reliability.
Liquid Biopsy Compared to Other Cancer Tests
Liquid biopsy is a quicker, less invasive alternative to traditional tests like tissue biopsies, CT scans, MRIs, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, which often require longer recovery and can cause discomfort. While liquid biopsies are valuable for initial screening and monitoring, they are most effective when used alongside traditional tests for comprehensive cancer management. This combined approach supports a more personalised and precise treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific condition.
Liquid Biopsy in Singapore: LucenceINSIGHT™
LucenceINSIGHT™ is a liquid biopsy test created by Lucence Diagnostics, with headquarters in both Singapore and Palo Alto, USA. Using advanced, proprietary technology, LucenceINSIGHT™ detects ctDNA in the blood, assessing cancers such as breast, colorectal, lung, and liver. This test is non-invasive, accurate, and an effective tool for early cancer detection.
What Cancers Can LucenceINSIGHT™ Test for?
There are two types of LucenceINSIGHT™ tests:
| LucenceINSIGHT™ (12 Cancers) | LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers) |
|---|---|
| Breast, Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), Lung (Small cell lung cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Lung Neuroendocrine Tumour), Bile Duct, Colorectal, Nasopharyngeal, Liver, Pancreas, Cervical, Prostate. | Breast, Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), Lung (Small cell lung cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Lung Neuroendocrine Tumour), Bile Duct, Colorectal, Nasopharyngeal, Liver, Pancreas, Cervical, Prostate, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, Bladder, Endometrium, Eye, Head and Neck, Kidney, Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma, Myeloproliferative Neoplasm, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Oropharynx, Skin and Stomach. |
Source: LucenceINSIGHT™
Price of Liquid Biopsy in Singapore
At healthscreening.sg, we provide LucenceINSIGHT™ liquid biopsy blood tests and also as part of our health screening packages:
| Test | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | $38.15 |
| LucenceINSIGHT™ (12 Cancers) | $1998 |
| LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers) | $3998 |
| Health Screening Packages with LucenceINSIGHT™ | |
| Prestige + LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers) | $5450 |
| Imperial + LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers) | $6104 |
| Supreme + LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers) | $7303 |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
How Long Does a Liquid Biopsy Take?
Our doctors will provide a consultation to understand your health situation, followed by a blood sample
collection. The entire process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. However, during peak periods such
as weekends, there may be additional waiting times, and we appreciate your understanding and patience.
To ensure a smoother visit, we recommend contacting us via WhatsApp to enquire about the best times to
come in.
We also offer home health
screening or blood tests at your
location for your convenience.
Summary
Liquid biopsy represents a significant advancement in cancer detection, working alongside other screening methods to enhance early diagnosis and ongoing treatment monitoring. By analysing blood samples, this method minimises the need for invasive procedures while delivering essential genetic insights about the cancer. If you're considering liquid biopsy, consult a doctor to understand its benefits and applications tailored to your health situation.
How Do I Make an Appointment?
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Health Screening Clinics in Singapore
We offer comprehensive health screening services at two conveniently located clinics, both within
walking distance of Tanjong Pagar (EW13) and Orchard Boulevard (TE15) MRT stations.
Our clinics are equipped with advanced diagnostic technologies, including Chest X-ray, Ultrasound, Bone Mass Density (BMD) scanners, and
Treadmill Stress Test machines. Additionally, our Orchard clinic is equipped with a CT (Computed Tomography) scanner,
enabling us to provide more detailed health assessments. Bookings can be easily made via WhatsApp or by
phone.
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Health Screening Singapore
(Anson House)
Health Screening Singapore
(Camden Medical Centre)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Liquid biopsies are typically reliable for detecting genetic mutations in ctDNA, but their precision can differ depending on the cancer type, stage, and the test's sensitivity.
While tissue biopsies involve removing part of the tumour itself, liquid biopsies examine a blood sample to find ctDNA and tumour cells that have entered the bloodstream.
A liquid biopsy is performed using a blood sample.
Like a routine blood test, a liquid biopsy is minimally painful, involving only a slight prick when the blood is drawn.
Liquid biopsies reveal circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumour cells (CTCs), providing insight into the genetic makeup of the cancer.
Challenges include reduced sensitivity in early-stage cancers and the possibility of false results. Additionally, they may offer less detailed information compared to tissue biopsies, so they are best used alongside other diagnostic methods.
They are less invasive, can be done more frequently, and allow real-time tracking of cancer progression and treatment response, offering a more patient-friendly option.
Yes, they can identify metastatic cancers by detecting ctDNA from secondary tumour sites.
A negative report suggests no cancer was found, but further tests may be necessary to confirm this.
The success varies by cancer type and stage, but liquid biopsies are generally effective in identifying ctDNA in advanced cancers.
Results are usually available within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the test and lab processing times.
A negative result means no ctDNA was detected, possibly indicating the absence of detectable cancer. However, additional tests might still be needed for confirmation.