Caris Life Sciences Selects Illumina's MiSeq System to Enable Next-Generation Sequencing as Part of its Molecular Profiling Service

Illumina

today announced that Caris Life Sciences has selected its MiSeq sequencing system to support Caris' evidence-based molecular profiling service. The MiSeq system will be deployed to enable rapid, simultaneous analysis of multiple genes from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues using Illumina's amplicon-based assay. Caris Life Sciences' molecular profiling service offers comprehensive tumor biomarker analyses coupled with an extensive clinical literature review, which matches potential therapies to patient-specific biomarker information. Using a wide array of the most clinically relevant technologies available, this service continually evolves with the emerging science to help oncologists personalize care for cancer patients. The addition of next-generation sequencing to Caris' molecular profiling service represents the next step in the natural evolution of this cutting-edge offering. “We are pleased to be the selected sequencing platform for Caris Life Sciences, an unmatched leader in tumor profiling, whose molecular profiling service has been ordered for more than 40,000 patients to date,” said Matt Posard, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Illumina's Translational and Consumer Genomics business. “This collaboration is an excellent example of applying next-generation sequencing with the goal of improving patient outcomes.” Caris Life Sciences is one of the few entities to offer next-generation sequencing commercially in their CLIA-accredited laboratory, and will replace its current sequencing technology with Illumina's MiSeq system. The addition of next-generation sequencing via the MiSeq complements the variety of highly integrated technology platforms already employed by Caris, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Caris' molecular profiling service uses these cutting-edge technologies to comprehensively interrogate the entire cancer biological process — including DNA, RNA, and protein analysis. “Caris leverages the most clinically relevant technologies and biomarkers to help physicians individualize care. When we choose to add a new technology to our portfolio, we are committed to selecting a best-in-class platform and partner, as evidenced by our selection of Illumina,” said Tom Spalding, Senior Vice President, Group Head Oncology and Chief Marketing Officer at Caris Life Sciences. “After a thorough evaluation of top NGS platforms, Illumina's data quality, simple workflow, and commitment to a collaborative approach were key to our decision to work with them.”