Lucence is a Singapore-headquartered medical technology company specializing in liquid biopsies, which are blood tests used to detect cancer signals by analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
There are two primary types of tests offered by Lucence, depending on whether you are looking for early screening or guidance for existing treatment:
1. LucenceINSIGHT™ (Early Screening)
This is a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test designed for asymptomatic individuals (those without symptoms). It is often used as a proactive tool to catch cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
How it works: It uses a single blood draw to identify genetic alterations and signals from up to 50 different types of cancer, including lung, breast, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
Accuracy: It boasts a 99% specificity (very low false-positive rate) and an 80.9% sensitivity for detecting cancer signals.
Results: If a signal is "Detected," the test also provides a "Predicted Signal Localization" to help doctors identify where in the body the cancer may be originating.
Logistics: Results typically take 12 to 18 working days. No fasting is usually required, though some clinics suggest avoiding heavy meals for 4 hours prior.
2. LiquidHALLMARK® (Treatment & Monitoring)
Unlike the screening test, LiquidHALLMARK is generally used for patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer, particularly late-stage or metastatic cases.
Purpose: It profiles 80 genes to identify specific mutations. This helps oncologists match patients with targeted therapies or clinical trials without needing a needle biopsy of the tumor tissue.
Scope: It is often used for lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers to monitor treatment response or detect if the cancer has developed resistance to current drugs.
Availability and Cost in Singapore
The tests are available at several private clinics and hospitals (e.g., Parkway Shenton, Minmed, and Thomson Medical). Because these are advanced genomic tests, they are generally not covered by standard insurance or MediSave.
Key Considerations
Age Recommendation: These tests are most commonly recommended for individuals aged 40 and above or those with a higher risk profile due to family history.
Not a Replacement: Lucence emphasizes that these tests complement, but do not replace, conventional screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies.
Consultation: You will need a doctor's consultation to order the test and to review the results, as a "Detected" signal requires follow-up diagnostic imaging (like a CT or MRI) for confirmation.
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