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Laboratory Corporation of America Plasma Focus

Labcorp has launched its Plasma Focus liquid biopsy test, which analyzes cell-free DNA to enable targeted therapy selection for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The test in intended for use in patients with non-small cell lung, colorectal, breast, esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric cancers, and melanoma, and is meant as a complement to tissue-based genomic testing, particularly when tissue is not available or accessible. It uses next-generation sequencing for the detection of genomic sequence mutations in 33 clinically actionable or relevant genes, including amplifications in eight genes, translocations associated with five genes, and microsatellite instability.

The Scan

Positive Framing of Genetic Studies Can Spark Mistrust Among Underrepresented Groups

Researchers in Human Genetics and Genomics Advances report that how researchers describe genomic studies may alienate potential participants.

Small Study of Gene Editing to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

In a Novartis-sponsored study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that a CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment targeting promoters of genes encoding fetal hemoglobin could reduce disease symptoms.

Gut Microbiome Changes Appear in Infants Before They Develop Eczema, Study Finds

Researchers report in mSystems that infants experienced an enrichment in Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Finegoldia and a depletion of Bacteroides before developing eczema.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Specificity Enhanced With Stem Cell Editing

A study in Nature suggests epitope editing in donor stem cells prior to bone marrow transplants can stave off toxicity when targeting acute myeloid leukemia with immunotherapy.