Lab firm launches next-gen cancer tests

FORT MYERS — Clinical lab firm NeoGenomics says it's validated and launched the first two of a series of next-generation cancer profiling tests.

The company, which specializes in cancer genetics testing, says it's the first in the industry to offer plasma-based next-generation sequencing tests designed for profiling myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and solid tumor cancers. Additional cancer-type specific next generation tests are currently being validated, according to a release, and are scheduled for launch over the next several months.

The MDS next-generation sequencing test can be performed on bone marrow, peripheral blood and plasma samples, the company says. The test is particularly important for confirming an MDS diagnosis, which can be hard to detect in early stages of the disease.