OnkoGenetiks® Cancer Somatic Panel (61 Genes)
Definition
PIK3CA is an oncogene that encodes the catalytic subunit of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which transmits cell growth and survival signals. Acquired (somatic) activating mutations in this gene are common in many solid tumors, particularly breast cancer, and are used as a biomarker in assessing response to drugs targeting the PI3K pathway. Liquid biopsy relies on analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood instead of obtaining a tissue sample; with this method, somatic mutations in genes such as PIK3CA can be monitored without the need for repeated tissue biopsy.
Gene/region examined
PIK3CA, GREM1, CDKN2A, MSH6, MRE11, STK11, GEN1, RAD51D, SMARCA4, BRIP1, TP53, POLE, BRCA1, PRSS1, SDHB, SDHC, PMS2, ABRAXAS1, SMAD4, GALNT12, BRCA2, CDK4, PTEN, BLM, RAD51B, RET, ATM, CHEK2, CTNNA1, PALB2, BARD1, AXIN2, RINT1, XRCC2, MET, NTHL1, AIP, NBN, RAD50, ATR, BMPR1A, BUB1B, VHL, SDHD, MLH1, PTCH1, RAD51C, EPCAM, MSH2, BAP1, CDH1, HOXB13, MEN1, GPC3, FANCC, POLD1, MUTYH, APC, FLCN, PALLD, PMS1
Method
Next Generation Sequencing
Accepted sample types
Solid Tumor, FFPE
Inheritance
Somatic, not hereditary; PIK3CA mutations and the ctDNA changes sought in liquid biopsy are tumor-specific, acquired changes.