Melaseq™


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For information on how to access the Melaseq test within Australia, please visit the Australian Clinical Labs website.

 

Melanoma: Australia’s National Cancer


Bar chart showing diagnosis accuracy

Failure To Detect: Over 40% of Patients with Invasive Melanoma Report Being Initially Misdiagnosed. Survey size: 1137 patients and carers. Source: State of the Nation – A Report into Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is a major health concern in Australia and often referred to as ‘Australia’s National Cancer.’ It is prevalent due to the high levels of sun exposure in the country, making it a significant public health issue.

Key Facts:

  • High Prevalence: Australia ranks among the top globally for melanoma rates. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.
  • Young Adults at Risk: In the 15-39 age group, melanoma is the most diagnosed cancer, highlighting the vital need for early detection and awareness among young adults.
  • Economic Impact: Treating skin cancer, including melanoma, involves substantial costs due to its high prevalence and the complexity of treatment methods.
  • Early vs. Late Diagnosis: Early detection of melanoma leads to a significantly higher survival rate. Patients with early-stage melanoma have a 10-year survival rate exceeding 90%, whereas those with late-stage diagnoses face greatly reduced survival chances.
  • microRNA in Diagnosis: Recent studies reveal the significant role of microRNA profiles in melanoma diagnosis and management. These small genetic markers are key in detecting melanoma, monitoring its progression, and guiding treatment decisions.

Melaseq microRNA expression profiling can be performed on either plasma (liquid biopsy) or skin tissue to improve melanoma diagnosis and screening.

Exosomes released from cancer cells contain disease-specific combinations of microRNAs.
Exosomes released from cancer cells contain microRNAs. Melaseq detects a validated panel of these markers using advanced plasma purification methods and microRNA expression profiling.

Melaseq™: A Genomic Solution for Enhanced Melanoma Detection and Diagnosis

Melaseq™ represents a groundbreaking advancement in the fight against melanoma. It is designed to aid medical professionals in diagnosing and monitoring melanoma with greater precision and objectivity.

At the heart of Melaseq™ is its ability to analyze a unique panel of melanoma-related microRNAs. MicroRNAs are a novel class of genes, recently identified as having important functions both within and outside cells. By measuring changes in these molecules, it is possible to distinguish between disease states with unprecedented accuracy and precision.

The Melaseq test measures a panel of molecular markers discovered by Geneseq Biosciences, each playing a crucial function in melanoma progression:

  • Angiogenesis & Inflammation: Facilitates the formation of new blood vessels and promotes tumor-supportive inflammatory environments.
  • Immune/Drug Resistance: Helps tumours evade immune detection and reduces the effectiveness of cancer therapies.
  • Tumor Growth: Drives uncontrolled cellular proliferation essential for melanoma expansion.
  • Invasion/Metastasis: Enables melanoma cells to invade nearby tissues and spread to distant organs.

Explore the Melaseq microRNA signature of melanoma in our interactive genomic heat-map. 

Geneseq Biosciences envisions that integrating Melaseq’s molecular biomarkers with existing imaging and histopathology methods will revolutionize melanoma early detection, reducing the need for invasive, expensive, and potentially disfiguring biopsies.