Thermo Fisher Scientific has released a next-generation sequencing (NGS) RNA panel and workflow that enables targeted sequencing of fusion transcripts for clinical research. The new Ion Torrent AmpliSeq RNA Fusion Lung Cancer Research Panel allows simultaneous sequencing of 70 ALK, RET, ROS1, and NTRK1 fusion transcripts associated with lung cancer as well as 5' and 3' ALK gene expression. The panel was verified by leading clinical researchers from the OncoNetwork Consortium spanning 10 different countries around the globe and years of experience in adopting NGS technologies to pioneer colon and lung cancer research.

"The introduction of the Ion Torrent AmpliSeq RNA Fusion Lung Cancer Research Panel is representative of our commitment to bring new and innovative applications to the oncology community to advance clinical and translational research," said Mr Mark Stevenson, president of Life Sciences Solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The company also launched CE-IVD Oncomine Solid Tumor DNA kit that enables highly accurate and reliable multiplexed sequencing of formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor samples with the quality and performance needed for the clinical laboratory. The kit allows detection of single nucleotide somatic changes, inversions, insertions, and deletions using as little as 10ng of FFPE DNA, enabling laboratory clinicians to analyze samples that may contain partially degraded or limited tumor material, and generate reportable results from more samples than previously possible with lower acceptance thresholds for FFPE tumor DNA.

"The development and commercialisation of the CE-IVD Oncology Solid Tumor DNA kit in the European Union is representative of our continued commitment to enabling our customers to advance clinical oncology care while meeting regional regulatory requirements," said Mr Stevenson.