[NOV. 2022] Ajou University Medical Center, Introduces Pilot Test for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
- Name 관리자
- Date 2022-11-28
Ajou University Medical Center Introduces Pilot Test for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)-based Precision Diagnosis Program to Treat Cancer Patients
▲ Panoramic view of Ajou University Medical Center
Ajou University Medical Center introduced the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)-based precision diagnosis program to treat cancer patients for the first time in Korea. The medical center partnered with Genome Insight, a cancer genome-based healthcare platform company, and announced that they will launch a cancer precision diagnosis program using WGS on November 24th.
This program will first be used for approximately 100 patients at Ajou University Medical Center with solid cancer. The patients will be provided with the WGS-based precision diagnosis in addition to their current treatments.
With WGS, it will be possible to comprehensively analyze cancer genomes to find the optimal drugs; predict possible reactions to drugs to provide optimal treatment; identify the cause of the cancer; analyze possible cancer genes in case of family history; and identify primary cancer or secondary cancer when multiple tumors are found in various organs. Moreover, WGS will enable the provision of a detailed diagnosis that exceeds existing biopsy.
▲Photo of the MOU signing ceremony (2022. JAN)
The two institutions will also introduce the platform “CancerVision,” where the patients’ gene profiles will be shown on the web rather than in a physical paper report during treatment. This will provide a more vivid understanding of gene information. With this platform, doctors will be able to check the information on the cancer genes at the treatment site, just as they are able to check the CT and MRI results using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a cutting-edge technology that allows comprehensive research of genetic factors related to diseases or reactions to drugs. Currently, many hospitals are using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method for various types of metastatic cancer. However, due to technical limitations, NGS only identifies 0.1% to 1% of gene anomalies. On the other hand, WGS provides information on all genes of cancer cells, and is expected to greatly contribute to the diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients.
▲Professor Minseok Kwon
Director Park Hae-sim of Ajou University Medical Center stated, “It is an honor to introduce the pilot test for Whole Genome Sequencing on an actual patient for the first time in the country. By incorporating WGS in the process of diagnosing cancer and treating cancer patients, I hope that we will be able to provide better treatments to many patients who need precision diagnoses such as cancer and intractable disease patients.”
Dr. Ju Young-seok, the founder of Genome Insight, stated, “This trial program is significant as the WGS-based cancer precision diagnosis program was introduced to the hospital treatment scene for the first time, overcoming the limitations in terms of technology and cost. We will provide a comprehensive platform so that the WGS-based cancer treatment system can be used for more patients.”