Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
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The KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA Array
Early Multiplex Detection of Colorectal Cancer from a Single Sample
The Randox KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA Array is based on a combination of multiplex PCR and biochip array hybridization for high discrimination between multiple wild‑type and mutant DNA regions in the KRAS (mutations in codons 12, 13 and 61), BRAF (V600E mutation) and PIK3CA (mutations in codons 542, 545 and 1,047) genes. Providing there are enough copies of DNA present, ~1% of mutants can readily be detected in a background of wild‑type genomic DNA. A unique primer set is designed for each mutation target (and control), which will hybridize to a complementary discrete test region (DTR) on the biochip array. Each DTR corresponds to a particular mutation target.
Mutations Detectable by KRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA Array
BRAF | |
Mutation | Base Change |
V600E | GTG>GAG |
KRAS | |
Mutation | Base Change |
G12A | GGT>GCT |
G12R | GGT>CGT |
G12D | GGT>GAT |
G12C | GGT>TGT |
G12S | GGT>AGT |
G12V | GGT>GTT |
G13D | GGC>GAC |
G13C | GGC>TGC |
G13R | GGC>CGC |
Q61K | CAA>AAA |
Q61L | CAA>CTA |
Q61R | CAA>CGA |
Q61H1 | CAA>CAC |
Q61H2 | CAA>CAT |
A146T | GCA>ACA |
A146P | GCA>CCA |
PIK3CA | |
Mutation | Base Change |
E542K | GAA>AAA |
E545K | GAG>AAG |
H1047R | CAT>CGT |
The Evidence Investigator
Meet the Evidence Investigator
The Randox KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA array has been developed for the Evidence Investigator, a semi-automated benchtop immunoassay analyser.
This array simultaneously detects 20 mutation points within the KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA genes. This assay may further aid the selection for CRC patients suitable for EGFR monoclonal antibody therapy. Whilst designed for colorectal cancer, the array has implications for mutation screening in other cancer types.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Investigator Webpage
Homocysteine & Women’s Health
Homocysteine is a thio-containing amino acid produced by the intracellular demethylation of methionine. Elevated levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) is more common in women than in men and is associated with a wide array of illnesses. It has also been proven to cause several problems in women including: cardiovascular disease (CVD), colon cancer, pregnancy complications, and birth defects.
Cardiovascular Disease
Elevated levels of circulating homocysteine correlates with an increased risk of vascular occlusion (blockage of a blood vessel). Hyperhomocysteinemia can cause inflammation of the endothelium (thin layer of cells linking the interior blood vessels). Failure to lower homocysteine levels can cause further inflammation of the arteries, veins, and capillaries causing atherosclerosis. Consequently, blood and oxygen supply to tissues is reduced, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels correlates with higher diastolic and systolic blood pressure, hypertension. However, this correlation is stronger in women than in men. Women with elevated levels of homocysteine have a 3-fold increased risk of CVD, whereas men have a 2-fold increased risk.
Colon Cancer
Women with hyperhomocysteinemia have an increased risk of colorectal cancer than women with lower levels. Women who present with the highest levels of homocysteine have more than a 70% increased colorectal cancer risk. A correlation between reduced levels of folate and increased levels of homocysteine have been found in women with colorectal adenoma. It is recommended that women with hyperhomocysteinemia and reduced levels of folate should increase their intake of fruit and vegetables to reduce their levels of homocysteine and increase their levels of folate.
Pregnancy Complications and Birth Defects
Homocysteine levels should decline during pregnancy, however, in some cases, levels increase. Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with foetal neural tube defects which causes various conditions, characterised by placental vasculopathy, including pre-eclampsia, abruption, and recurrent pregnancy loss. It has been identified that folate supplementation can half the risk of foetal neural tube defects. One study found that hyperhomocysteinemia was associated with a 2-fold to 3-fold increased risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension, abrupyio placentae, and intrauterine growth restriction.
Randox Homocysteine Reagent
The Randox Homocysteine assay offers a few unique features:
- Limited interference from Bilirubin, Haemoglobin, Triglycerides, and Intralipid, producing more accurate and precise results.
- Two-reagent format for convenience and ease of use
- Calibrator provided with kit, simplifying the ordering process
Other features include:
- Liquid ready-to-use reagents – for optimum user experience
- Excellent linearity – 47. 9 μmol/L, ensuring abnormally high levels of homocysteine are detected.
- Enzymatic method
- Tri-level cardiac control available