Common QuestionsAnswers for both first-time patients and those who already have a Tumor DNA Sequencing report in hand.
What is tumor DNA sequencing?
Tumor DNA sequencing (somatic profiling) analyzes the specific genetic mutations present in your cancer cells. Unlike germline testing, it focuses on what's driving your tumor — identifying actionable targets for therapy and resistance mutations to guide treatment decisions.
How is tumor DNA sequencing different from germline testing?
Somatic tumor sequencing analyzes mutations acquired by cancer cells (not inherited), while germline testing detects inherited mutations present in all cells. Tumor sequencing is used for therapy selection; germline testing is used for hereditary risk assessment. Both can be complementary.
What mutations does tumor DNA sequencing detect?
Tumor DNA sequencing detects driver mutations, resistance mutations, copy number alterations, gene fusions, microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) — all of which guide targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trial selection.
How long does tumor sequencing take?
Most somatic tumor profiling reports are delivered in 14–21 business days. The timeline includes tumor tissue retrieval, DNA extraction, comprehensive panel sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and expert molecular pathology review.
What sample is needed for tumor DNA sequencing?
The primary sample is FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) tumor tissue from a biopsy or surgical specimen. Liquid biopsy using blood (ctDNA) is an alternative when tissue is unavailable or repeat biopsy is not feasible.
Can tumor sequencing find why my treatment stopped working?
Yes. Resistance mutations are a key finding in tumor sequencing. When a targeted therapy or chemotherapy stops being effective, repeat sequencing can identify secondary mutations driving resistance and guide the next line of treatment.
What cancers benefit from tumor DNA sequencing?
Tumor DNA sequencing is most impactful in lung, colorectal, breast, ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, bladder, and melanoma cancers. It's particularly valuable when standard therapies have failed or when targeted therapy eligibility is uncertain.
How much does tumor DNA sequencing cost in India?
Cost depends on panel scope and sample type: a focused somatic panel runs upto ₹30,000, comprehensive 500+ gene profiling upto ₹60,000, and liquid biopsy (ctDNA) upto ₹50,000 — see the pricing section on this page for what each tier includes. Final cost is confirmed after reviewing your cancer type and sample.
Which labs offer home sample collection for tumor DNA sequencing?
Home collection applies to the blood draw used for liquid biopsy (ctDNA) — BigOHealth coordinates this pickup as part of the service. Tissue-based sequencing uses the FFPE block from your existing biopsy or surgery, so it's retrieved from the hospital or pathology lab rather than collected at home.
Where can I get tumor DNA sequencing done near me?
BigOHealth coordinates tumor DNA sequencing pan-India, including sample pickup and logistics for patients outside metro cities, with testing anchored through partner labs and molecular oncologist interpretation based in Mumbai. Contact us with your city and we'll confirm the fastest route to get your sample tested.
What is the best tumor DNA sequencing test in India?
There isn't one universally 'best' test — the right choice depends on your cancer type, whether tissue or blood sample is available, and what treatment decision you're trying to make. BigOHealth reviews your case and recommends a focused, comprehensive, or liquid biopsy panel accordingly, rather than defaulting to one option.
Liquid biopsy vs tissue sequencing — which should I choose?
Tissue sequencing (FFPE biopsy) remains the gold standard with the broadest mutation detection and is preferred when a fresh or archived sample is available. Liquid biopsy (blood-based ctDNA) is the better choice when tissue is unavailable, a repeat biopsy is unsafe, or you need faster monitoring for resistance — though it can miss mutations if ctDNA shedding is low.