Blood Test
To Detect
Cancer
Detects Absence &
Risk of Cancer Presence
NHS Clinical Studies
HrC test is currently the subject of two NHS clinical studies. One with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and one with Imperial College London. A successful outcome of these studies will hopefully lead to further larger studies with the overall objective of the HrC test being adopted by the NHS as quickly as possible.
Blood Test to Detect Cancer
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
HrC Genomics involves processing an individual’s blood sample using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.
NGS is a technology for determining the sequence of RNA and/or DNA to study genetic variation associated with diseases. In this instance the disease is cancer.
For HrC Genomics, blood samples are processed using two processes i) Whole Exome Sequencing & ii) Whole Transcriptome Sequencing.
Whole Exome Sequencing
In this process, protein making genes in the genome are targeted for DNA sequencing. This allows us to detect whether there are any gene mutations in the DNA that are associated with certain types of diseases. Mutations can cause faulty proteins and disrupt normal body processes.
Whole Transcriptome Sequencing
The same coding regions are targeted as above but use RNA as an input. The main difference here is that the RNA reflects the gene expression of the genome, rather than the sequence of DNA itself. So a difference in RNA expression in certain genes (either up or down regulated) can be associated with certain diseases.
When using the two approaches together, we can detect whether there are any mutations from the DNA, and also whether some mutations might be linked with the changes in respective gene expression. Both are used for biomarker detection but give different outputs.
HrC Technology
The data generated from processing the blood samples using NGS technology now need to be analysed and interpreted using HrC technology.
HrC is a technology developed by a team of scientists at Epigeneres Biotech in Mumbai. Their technology is based upon the hypothesis that very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), residing in multiple tissues, undergo epigenetic changes and get transformed into Cancer Stem Cells.
When this occurs, Cancer Stem Cells from impacted organs in the body get mobilised into circulation in peripheral blood, in increasing numbers. An individual’s risk of cancer presence is dependent upon to what degree that this increase in activity occurs, which can be determined from the data generated from the NGS processing.
HrC Score
The output of the data analysis is the HrC Score which reflects the level of activity being observed. The interpretation of the HrC Score is by way of a proprietary scale developed by Epigeneres, the HrC Scale, which provides an indication of the risk of cancer presence i.e., none, negligible, low, moderate or high.
Please Note
HrC Genomics does not diagnose cancer. It only provides an indication of the risk of cancer presence. Individual’s with suspected cancer symptoms should urgently make an appointment with their GP.
How To Arrange A Test
Sample Collection
HrC Genomics is only available through our network of Authorised Providers. HrC Genomics is a very specialised test which requires support and guidance from a healthcare professional.
Samples for HrC Genomics requires a blood draw which must be taken by a phlebotomist who will draw the 2 x 6ml tubes of blood required for processing. Blood samples are stored onsite at a temperature between 2oC to 8oC until collection can be made by a specialist courier.
Samples are collected within 24 hours of the blood draw and transported to the laboratory still maintaining the temperature between 2oC to 8oC.
Samples are subject to Quality Control checks upon receipt at the laboratory. There is no way of telling beforehand whether a sample will meet the Quality Control requirements. A replacement sample will be requested if the first sample fails to pass Quality Control.
Sample Processing
Samples for the HrC Genomics Service are processed in the UK by an ISO15189:2012 UKAS Accredited Laboratory.
Samples are processed using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technology. NGS is a technology that allows the determination of the sequence of DNA and RNA molecules in a fast, accurate and cost-effective way.
For the purposes of HrC, two sequencing methods are utilised, Whole Exome Sequencing and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing. Using these two sequencing methods to target identified genes that serve as indicators for risk of cancer presence.
Sequencing is a complex process which can take up to 3 weeks to generate the raw data required for analysis, interpretation and ultimately to determine the HrC Score for a blood sample.
Data Analysis
The raw data generated through the NGS processing must be analysed and interpreted by specialist scientists with in-depth knowledge and experience of the HrC technology.
The only scientists equipped with the relevant knowledge and expertise to perform this function are the scientists at Epigeneres Biotech who developed the HrC technology.
The output of the raw data analysis will determine the Hrc Score which, when applied to the HrC Scale, gives a reading indicates an individual’s risk of cancer presence i.e., none, negligible, low, medium, or high.
Finally, once the HrC Score has been determined and the information provided on the Patient Information Form has been taken into consideration, a report will be issued containing the HrC Score, the scientist’s analysis of the data and their interpretation of the same.
