Frequently Asked Questions
for Clinicians & Patients

Biomarker testing identifies genetic and molecular changes (mutations, fusions, or protein alterations) in cancer cells. These results guide precision medicine, allowing treatment selection based on a patient's unique tumor profile.

Why it matters: Comprehensive biomarker testing improves survival, treatment response for cancers such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancer, guiding precision therapeutics.

Biomarker-guided treatment leads to:

• Better survival: Targeted therapy improves outcomes compared to standard regimens.
• Fewer side effects: Targeted therapeutic drugs are more specific and less toxic.
• Lower cost: Avoids ineffective treatments and reduces unnecessary expenses.

• Tumor tissue: FFPE blocks and slides for STP, BRCA (Somatic)
• Whole blood: 3–5 mL of whole blood in an EDTA tube for BRCA (Germline), HRD, Thalassemia, and myeloid panel
• Liquid biopsy (blood): 10–20 mL blood for circulating tumor DNA (cfDNA) in cfDNA tube; ideal when tissue is not available for disease monitoring or in case of treatment resistance.

Typical TAT is 13–17 working days, including:

• Pre-analytical (4–5 days): Sample collection, DNA extraction, and library preparation.
• Analytical (5–7 days): Sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Post-analytical (4–5 days): Report generation, validation, and authorization.

Your oncologist will explain the report, which includes:

• Detected biomarkers (e.g., EGFR, ALK, BRAF, etc.)
• Available targeted therapies
• Future management plan of the patient

• Before treatment: Guides first-line therapy.
• During treatment: Archived samples (e.g., previous biopsy material) can still be analyzed.
• At progression: Re-testing (via previous biopsy materials or liquid biopsy) may reveal new mutations for targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

TMSS offers affordable, locally performed NGS testing at a fraction of international costs. Testing reduces overall treatment costs by avoiding ineffective therapies. Financial assistance and flexible payment options are available for poor patients.

1. Step 1: Obtain and complete the test requisition form (available on our website or via our lab).
2. Step 2: Collect and label the specimen properly per ISO 15189 protocol.
3. Step 3: Ship:
   • FFPE tissue: Room temperature.
   • Blood: Within 24–48 hours (within ice box to ensure 2–8°C).
4. We confirm receipt and notify physicians of any issues.

• Pioneer NGS-based molecular lab in Bangladesh — no need to send samples abroad.
• ISO 15189:2022 standards with advanced sequencing and expert analysis.
• Australian-trained team ensuring the highest levels of competency.
• Best quality (FDA-approved) panels and reagents for quality control.
• Affordable, patient-centered, and globally benchmarked molecular testing.