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Digital PCR assays for cancer-associated gene variants

Revolutionizing oncology research

The advantage of dPCR for cancer research

Detecting minute amounts of cancer-associated gene variants is essential in oncology research, enabling the development of vital biomarker knowledge. This knowledge is crucial for translational research as it helps bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications. Precise characterization of key variants further supports exploration into targeted treatment strategies and personalized medicine approaches.

Digital PCR (dPCR) provides accurate and reliable DNA measurement without the need for standard curves, making it an invaluable tool for cancer researchers. The high sensitivity and accuracy of this direct quantification technique allow for the consistent detection of low-abundance mutations and the tracking of changes in biomarker prevalence during repeated testing in longitudinal investigations. dPCR is well-suited for analyzing low-input samples, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), where detecting small shifts in mutation levels can prove useful in studying tumor burden and response dynamics over time, offering insights that can help refine therapeutic strategies and enhance our understanding of cancer progression.

Explore our precision dPCR assays

Our collection of dPCR LNA Mutation Assays was designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and efficiency and can help you unlock the full potential of your oncology research. Here’s what makes our assays stand out:

  • LNA enhancement: Achieve superior specificity and sensitivity compared to traditional oligonucleotides.
  • Extensive assay selection: Choose from over 200 predesigned and wet-lab tested assays, specifically tailored for oncology research.
  • Rapid design process: Quickly adapt to emerging scientific discoveries with our rapid design process for new singleplex assays.
  • Multiplexing: Simultaneously detect mutant and wild-type sequences or two target mutations in one well. 

Select your research area below to view our full offering of ready-to-use dPCR LNA Mutation Assays, each designed to enhance your cancer research with unparalleled precision and efficiency.

Discover the QIAcuity family of dPCR instruments

Explore the QIAcuity family of dPCR instruments, designed to meet the rigorous demands of biomarker research, translational research and clinical applications. With unmatched precision and operational efficiency, these versatile platforms can transform your scientific and diagnostic efforts.

Transform your research capabilities with QIAcuity digital PCR

QIAcuity is a fully automated digital PCR system that combines precision, efficiency and ease of use. Experience unparalleled accuracy and save resources with high-throughput multiplexing, allowing for the simultaneous detection of up to five genetic targets. A seamless transition from existing qPCR workflows ensures minimal disruption while significantly enhancing data quality and throughput.

Streamline your clinical PCR workflows with QIAcuityDx

QIAcuityDx is tailored for IVD applications. This fully automated system enhances diagnostic precision and operational efficiency by reducing hands-on time and ensuring accurate detection and quantification of important genetic variations. Easily develop your own assay menu* by using QIAcuityDx utility mode and IVD medical device consumables, reagents and software.

*FDA ‘Medical Devices; Laboratory Developed Tests’ final rule, May 6, 2024 and European Union regulation requirements on ‘In-House Assays’ (Regulation (EU) 2017/746 -IVDR- Art. 5(5))

FAQs about QIAcuity and nanoplate digital PCR

How does digital PCR differ from standard PCR?

End-point, or conventional PCR, offers qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis, while dPCR offers absolute quantification. Digital PCR is faster, more precise and reproducible. It offers multiplexing capabilities, but it also requires a larger initial investment. 

If you’re ready to enter the world of dPCR, but don’t know where to start, this educational hub covers key topics designed for beginners.

What are the benefits of digital PCR?
Digital PCR provides a number of benefits, such as absolute target quantification without the need for standards or reference curves. It also has a high tolerance to PCR inhibitors, high precision for detecting small-fold changes, high sensitivity, low limit of detection and high reproducibility, especially across different laboratories.
Which applications can benefit from using dPCR?
Applications requiring the detection of small amounts of input nucleic acid or the finer resolution of target amounts, such as rare event detection, copy number variation analysis and gene expression analysis of the low-abundance transcripts, can significantly benefit from the partitioning effect of dPCR. Applications such as liquid biopsy, single-cell analysis, NGS library quantification, quantification of low viral and bacterial loads, analysis of gene editing events and GMO detection can also leverage the tremendous precision and high sensitivity that digital PCR offers compared to qPCR. For most researchers, dPCR represents a complementary approach to qPCR.
How is QIAGEN's digital PCR instrument different from other commercially available systems?

Our QIAcuity digital PCR systems have been developed on a nanoplate-based technology, offering significant benefits over droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology. Fixed partitions integrated into the dPCR nanoplate prevent variation in size and coalescence, as seen in the ddPCR method. Besides, simultaneous reading of all partitions of the sample in nanoplates results in a faster readout. Nanoplates are not only user-friendly and easy to pipette just like qPCR but are also amenable to front-end automation. Most importantly, correctly sealed nanoplates prevent sample evaporation and well-to-well contamination. Partitioning, thermocycling and imaging are integrated into a fully automated instrument, delivering results in under two hours vs. more than four hours required by some other digital PCR systems. Moreover, scalable configurations and higher multiplexing capability make QIAcuity digital PCR easy to adapt to all kinds of labs and application requirements. Using the QIAcuity Software Suite, digital PCR experiments, samples and reaction mixes can be defined, assigned to nanoplates and transferred to the QIAcuity instrument. After the run, data can be analyzed, reports can be created and data can be exported for remote analysis.

Transitioning into a simple and rapid digital PCR workflow is easy with our informative hub.

What are the advantages of the dPCR LNA Mutation Assays?
dPCR LNA Mutation Assays offer significant advantages to cancer researchers working on precise and sensitive mutation detection. These assays are specifically designed for use with the QIAcuity Digital PCR System and are enhanced with Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) technology. This enhancement greatly improves the specificity and sensitivity of mutation detection, making it possible to identify DNA sequence mutations at very low abundance, with a sensitivity as fine as 0.1% in a single nanoplate well.

The key benefits of dPCR LNA Mutation Assays for cancer researchers include:
  • High precision and sensitivity: The use of duplex, hydrolysis probe-based assays allows for highly precise detection of mutations. The presence of both mutant and wild-type probes in the same reaction ensures that researchers can detect and quantify minor genetic variations with great accuracy, crucial for studies in heterogeneous cancer samples where only a few cells may carry the mutation.
  • Enhanced specificity: The integration of LNA into the probes increases the binding affinity and specificity towards the target sequences, minimizing the risk of non-specific bindings and improving the overall reliability of the assays.
  • Multiplexing capability: Each assay is capable of detecting mutations using two different fluorescent dye combinations, allowing for the simultaneous analysis of mutant and wild-type alleles within the same reaction. This multiplexing ability is particularly useful in applications requiring the analysis of multiple targets, such as assessing co-occurring mutations in cancer.
  • Flexibility in sample analysis: By dividing the reaction across multiple wells, even greater sensitivity can be achieved, facilitating the detection of extremely rare mutations. This is especially valuable in cancer research, where detecting low-frequency mutations can inform prognosis and treatment strategies.
  • Streamlined workflow: Supplied in a single-tube format with ready-to-use primer pairs and probes, these assays simplify the experimental setup, enabling efficient and straightforward integration into existing research workflows.

Disclaimers

dPCR LNA Mutation Assays are intended for molecular biology applications. These products are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.

The QIAcuity is intended for molecular biology applications. This product is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a disease. Therefore, the performance characteristics of the product for clinical use (i.e., diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic or blood banking) is unknown.

The QIAcuityDx dPCR System is intended for in vitro diagnostic use, using automated multiplex quantification dPCR technology, for the purpose of providing diagnostic information concerning pathological states.

QIAcuity and QIAcuityDx dPCR instruments are sold under license from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and exclude rights for use with pediatric applications. The QIAcuityDx medical device is currently under development and will be available in 20 countries in H2 2024.