We’re pleased to share LifeLabs has partnered with Natera, Inc. to offer Signatera^TM, a molecular residual disease test that detects and monitors cancer status by examining an individual’s unique tumour genetic profile. Natera is a clinical genetic testing company based in Austin, Texas that specializes in non-invasive, cell-free DNA testing technology, with a focus on women’s health, cancer, and organ health. Natera is also partnered with LifeLabs in offering Panorama Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).

Signatera^TM will offer you and your patients unique and personalized diagnostic solutions that can offer support for more precise clinical decisions. The first step requires molecular testing of a diagnostic tumour specimen and a blood specimen; and then subsequent tests use only blood specimens to quantify residual tumour volume. This plasma-based testing is a convenient and safe way to monitor cancer treatment; the testing is based upon repeated sampling of peripheral blood (circulating tumour DNA or ctDNA), which can be used to accurately detect and quantify residual tumour burden after treatment has started.  Furthermore, this can help predict the appearance of relapse before it is evident clinically (positive ctDNA result). Conversely, Signatera^TM can help predict the appearance of relapse and before it is clinically evident (positive ctDNA result) up to 2 years earlier than the standard method of care. Overall, the information collected through testing can help provide reassurance and a reduced need for repeated invasive biopsies.

Key points to note:  

• Collection of the samples can be completed at the hospital during a patient’s appointment with their oncologist/pathologist, or the patient can take the collection kit with them to any LifeLabs patient service centre to have the collection completed. 
• After the collection is completed, the blood samples can either be picked up by a LifeLabs courier from the hospital or from the patient service centre where the collection took place. 
• LifeLabs will not be performing the testing on any collected samples for this test, but will serve as intermediary in distributing the collection kits between Natera and ordering clinicians. 

More details are available at LifelabsGenetics.com/Signatera. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact 1-844-363-4357, or Ask.Genetics@LifeLabs.com.

Thank you,