Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a technology used to determine the sequence of DNA or RNA to study genetic variations associated with diseases or other biological phenomena. It is a high-throughput technology offering high speed and scalability. However, installing & maintaining an in-house NGS system is expensive. Hence, there is an increasing trend of outsourcing NGS-related projects. Numerous companies provide NGS services to fulfill the sequencing requirements of hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, and academic & research institutes, among other end users.

The adoption of NGS services is accelerating cancer research by enabling researchers to find novel and rare cancer mutations, discover cancer mutation carriers, perform whole genome studies, and expand on the genomic aspects of the disease.

Exploring the Benefits of NGS Services in Precision Medicine

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology advancements are changing how doctors diagnose and treat cancer. New targeted cancer treatments that use genomic data to provide patient-specific treatments are known as precision oncology. Precision oncology is a rapidly developing field that has already entered mainstream clinical practices. It involves the molecular profiling of cancer cells to identify targetable alterations, also known as biomarkers. Quick and reliable sequencing of multiple genes at once is possible with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology.

NGS has helped develop precision medicine, which involves tailoring treatments based on disease-causing molecular changes in a person's body. While NGS has been used in various scenarios, oncologists are currently using it to sequence their patients' biopsy samples to determine the right medicines that can target the genetic abnormalities driving tumor growth.

The successful implementation of precision medicine requires testing of patients for actionable mutations and interpretation of molecular profiling results, and identification of matched therapies. This process requires testing patients using techniques such as whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and whole transcriptome sequencing. NGS services play an important role in facilitating the process of precision medicine and allowing healthcare providers access to NGS technology.

The Power of NGS Services: Expanding Clinical Applications in Cancer and Reproductive Health