LucenceINSIGHT™ Liquid Biopsy: Cancer Screening in Singapore

LucenceINSIGHT™ Liquid Biopsy Cancer Screening

Dr. Leonard Leng of ATA Medical Singapore.
Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: 28 Aug 2024.

What Is a Liquid Biopsy?

A liquid biopsy is a blood test that detects signs of cancer by identifying circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the bloodstream. Unlike traditional biopsies, which require tissue samples from the tumour, liquid biopsies provide a less invasive method to gather genetic information about the cancer. This method aids in initial screening, monitoring treatment response, and detecting cancer recurrence.

1 in 4 people may develop cancer in their lifetime.
Source: Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021, between 2017 and 2021, an average of 46 people were diagnosed with cancer daily in Singapore, and 16 people died from the disease each day. Approximately 1 in 4 people may develop cancer in their lifetime. Given the prevalence of cancer, early detection can help with improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

How Does a Liquid Biopsy Work?

Tumour cells may shed and release ctDNA into the bloodstream, which is the DNA fragment of a tumour containing its genetic information. By analysing a blood sample, the presence of ctDNA can be assessed to indicate the presence of cancer. Additionally, this analysis can provide other vital information, such as genetic mutations and alterations, which can help inform further testing and treatment decisions.

Liquid Biopsy to test for ctDNA in blood sample.

Benefits of Liquid Biopsy

Liquid biopsies offer several benefits, such as:

  • Minimally Invasive: Liquid biopsies require only a blood sample, making the procedure less painful and more convenient.
  • Early Detection and Broad Testing: Liquid biopsies can detect cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms appear, and can simultaneously test for multiple types of cancer.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Due to its minimally invasive nature and ease of frequent testing, it is a useful tool for cancer management and treatment.
  • Targeted Treatment: By analysing the genetic information from ctDNA, doctors can tailor treatments to target specific mutations, enhancing the effectiveness of therapy.

While the benefits of liquid biopsies are significant, it is important to acknowledge their limitations. For instance, liquid biopsies might not detect small tumours or cancers in early stages as effectively as traditional biopsies. Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of liquid biopsy tests can vary depending on the cancer type and stage. The levels of ctDNA in the blood can also fluctuate, which can affect the accuracy of liquid biopsy results.

Asian woman providing blood sample for Liquid Biopsy.

Liquid Biopsy Compared to Other Cancer Tests

Liquid biopsy provides a faster and less invasive method to screen for multiple cancers simultaneously. Other cancer tests, such as tissue biopsies, imaging tests including CT scans and MRIs, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, can be more invasive and require more recovery time. Nevertheless, liquid biopsies complement these tests by serving as an initial screening tool before more specific procedures are recommended, and they are also useful for ongoing monitoring of cancer progression and treatment response. This comprehensive approach facilitates a more precise and personalised understanding of a patient's cancer and treatment approach.

Liquid Biopsy test as an initial screening tool.

Liquid Biopsy in Singapore: LucenceINSIGHT™

LucenceINSIGHT™ is a liquid biopsy test developed by Lucence Diagnostics, a leading biotech company headquartered in Singapore and Palo Alto, USA. This test uses advanced, proprietary technology to detect circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the blood, assessing the presence of multiple cancers such as breast, colorectal, lung, and liver cancers, among others. It offers a non-invasive, accurate, and convenient method for early cancer detection.

What Cancers Can LucenceINSIGHT™ Test for?

There are four types of LucenceINSIGHT™ tests:

LucenceINSIGHT™ (5 Cancers)
Thyroid, Pancreas, Liver, Colon, Lung.
LucenceINSIGHT™ (7 Cancers for Women)
Thyroid, Pancreas, Liver, Colon, Lung, Breast and Ovarian.
LucenceINSIGHT™ (12 Cancers)
Breast, Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), Lung (Small cell lung cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Lung Neuroendocrine Tumour), Bile Duct, Colorectal, Nasopharyngeal, Liver, Pancreas, Cervical, Prostate.
LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers)
Breast, Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), Lung (Small cell lung cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Lung Neuroendocrine Tumour), Bile Duct, Colorectal, Nasopharyngeal, Liver, Pancreas, Cervical, Prostate, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, Bladder, Endometrium, Eye, Head and Neck, Kidney, Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma, Myeloproliferative Neoplasm, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Oropharynx, Skin and Stomach.

Source: LucenceINSIGHT™

Price of Liquid Biopsy in Singapore

Test Price*
Consultation $38.15
LucenceINSIGHT™ (5 Cancers) $1098
LucenceINSIGHT™ (7 Cancers for Women) $1398
LucenceINSIGHT™ (12 Cancers) $1938
LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers) $3848
Health Screening Packages with LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus (50 Cancers)
Prestige Package (inclusive of LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus) $5100
Imperial Package (inclusive of LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus, CT Calcium Score, CT Lung) $5700
Supreme Package (inclusive of LucenceINSIGHT™ Plus, CT Calcium Score, CT Lung, MRI Brain) $6900
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

How Long Does a Liquid Biopsy Take?

Our doctors will provide a consultation to understand your health situation, followed by a blood sample collection. The entire process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes during off-peak hours.

Where Can I Do a Liquid Biopsy in Singapore?

ATA Medical is conveniently located at two different locations:

We can also provide home health screening or blood tests at your location for your convenience.

Summary

Liquid biopsy represents a significant advancement in cancer diagnostics, offering a less invasive and broad-based testing method for cancer. It complements other cancer-specific screening tests to aid in early detection and treatment monitoring, ultimately improving health outcomes. If you are unsure whether a liquid biopsy is suitable for you, consult a doctor today to discuss your options.

Why Choose ATA Medical?

ATA Medical - One Stop Health Screening Clinic with X Ray, CT Scan, Mammogram and Ultrasound scans.
ATA Medical - One Stop Health Screening Clinic with X Ray, CT Scan, Mammogram and Ultrasound scans.
ATA Medical Orchard Clinic with Health Screening Nurses and Staff
Orchard Clinic
ATA Medical Tanjong Pagar Clinic with Health Screening Nurses and Staff
Tanjong Pagar Clinic
Patient having a health screening review with Dr Jana Lim of ATA Medical
Health Screening Review with Dr Jana Lim
Female patient undergoing ultrasound scan procedure at ATA Medical Clinic.
Mammograms & Ultrasound Scans with Female Staff
Female patient getting ready to undergo X-Ray procedure with a male staff assisting with the preparations.
One-Stop Clinic with X-Ray Facilities
Dr Leonard Leng of ATA Medical having a consultation session with a male patient.
Consultation About Men or Female Health With a Doctor of Your Choice

Our Esteemed Clientele Include

Esteemed clientele of ATA Medical include: Google, Smart Nation Singapore, SkillsFuture Singapore, J.P. Morgan, Samsung Electronics, and NTUC Income.

What to Expect

FAST RESULTS

We strive to deliver your results within 7 working days.

MINIMUM WAITING TIME

Our patient-oriented processes ensure your waiting time is kept to a minimum.

Friendly Service

Service is a top priority for us at ATA Medical.

Want to do health screening in the comforts of your home with your family or partner? Try our home-based health screening.

Email us at hi@atamed.sg for more information.

Book your Liquid Biopsy with us at 88838128

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Liquid biopsies are generally accurate for detecting specific genetic mutations and alterations in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). However, their accuracy can vary based on cancer type, stage, and the sensitivity of the test used.
A tissue biopsy involves extracting a sample directly from the tumour, whereas a liquid biopsy uses a blood sample to detect ctDNA and circulating tumour cells shed by the tumour into the bloodstream.
A liquid biopsy uses a blood sample.
Liquid biopsies are minimally painful, similar to a standard blood draw.
Liquid biopsies detect circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and sometimes circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which provide genetic information about the cancer.
Some issues include limited sensitivity in early-stage cancers, potential false positives or negatives, and less comprehensive data compared to tissue biopsies. Liquid biopsies should be used to complement other cancer tests to provide a comprehensive assessment.
Liquid biopsies are less invasive, can be performed more frequently, and allow for real-time monitoring of cancer progression and treatment response.
Yes, liquid biopsies can detect metastasis by identifying ctDNA from metastatic tumours.
If a biopsy report is negative, it means no cancer was detected in the sample. However, additional tests may be required to confirm the absence of cancer.
The success rate varies by cancer type, stage, and the specific test used, but liquid biopsies are generally successful in detecting ctDNA in advanced cancers.
Results typically take from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the specific test and laboratory.
A negative liquid biopsy means that no ctDNA was detected in the blood sample, suggesting the absence of detectable cancer or insufficient ctDNA shedding. However, more testing may be recommended to confirm the results.