therascreen EGFR RGQ PCR Kit

• Health Canada-approved for in vitro diagnostic use
• Sensitive, robust test that can detect low levels of mutant DNA
• Ready-to-use system with simple workflow
• Specific and sensitive ARMS and Scorpions PCR technologies

The therascreen EGFR RGQ PCR Kit enables detection of 29 somatic mutations in the EGFR gene. The EGFR gene encodes the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein. Mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR gene can enable tumor growth and progression. EGFR mutations are found in approximately 10% of non-small cell lung cancer incidences in the US and 35% in East Asia. Additionally, EGFR mutations are found in 6% of brain tumors.

The therascreen EGFR RGQ PCR Kit enables detection of 29 somatic mutations in the EGFR gene including:

• 19 deletions in exon 19
• T790M
• L858R
• L861Q
• G719X
• S768I
• 3 insertions in exon 20

The kit utilizes two technologies — ARMS (Amplification Refractory Mutation System) and Scorpions — for detection of mutations using real-time PCR on the Rotor-Gene Q HRM 5plex instrument.

ARMS

Allele- or mutation-specific amplification is achieved by ARMS. Taq DNA polymerase is effective at distinguishing between a match and a mismatch at the 3' end of a PCR primer. Specific mutated sequences are selectively amplified, even in samples where the majority of the sequences do not carry the mutation. When the primer is fully matched, the amplification proceeds with full efficiency. When the 3' base is mismatched, only low-level background amplification occurs.

Scorpions

Detection of amplification is performed using Scorpions. Scorpions are bifunctional molecules containing a PCR primer covalently linked to a probe. The fluorophore in this probe interacts with a quencher, also incorporated into the probe, that reduces fluorescence. When the probe binds to the amplicon during PCR, the fluorophore and quencher become separated. This leads to an increase in fluorescence from the reaction tube.

The therascreen EGFR RGQ PCR Kit enables detection of 29 somatic mutations in the EGFR gene. These 29 mutations correlate with responsiveness to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies, such as gefitinib, for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Some have a sensitizing effect and some are linked to resistance. The therascreen EGFR RGQ PCR Kit is Health Canada-approved for in vitro diagnostic use, enabling detection of mutations in the EGFR gene for in vitro diagnostics.

The therascreen EGFR RGQ PCR Kit enables detection of 29 somatic mutations in the EGFR gene including:

• T790M, G719X, S768I
• L858R, L861Q
• 3 insertions in exon 20
• 19 deletions in exon 19