MedGenome launches India’s first whole genome test for precise brain tumor classification

New Delhi: MedGenome, India’s leading genomic diagnostics and research services company, announced the launch of the country’s first CNS Tumor Methylation Classifier Test. This diagnostic test can differentiate and classify over 90 classes of brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors into accurate subtypes, enabling doctors to make optimal and accurate treatment decisions.

The test was unveiled in the presence of nearly 200 oncologists, neuro-onco surgeons and pathologists, researchers, and doctoral students at a precision oncology symposium in Mumbai, hosted by MedGenome jointly with Illumina, the global market leader in DNA sequencing and life sciences technologies.

Brain and CNS tumors are among the most complex cancers to diagnose. MedGenome’s new test complements traditional techniques, like Histology, by offering additional insights, as it studies the entire genome, identifying molecular changes and also predicting the tumor’s treatment response. The test uses DNA methylation profiling, a technique that examines chemical modifications across the genome, to create a unique profile of the tumor. This profile is then compared to a global reference database to identify the exact tumor type, enabling treatment planning tailored to the tumor’s molecular profile. The test has been found to be efficient even in cases that are rare or difficult to classify accurately. The results offer comprehensive support for more precise treatment decisions and guide personalized care.

Speaking on the development, VL Ramprasad, PhD, CEO, MedGenome, said, “No two cancers are truly the same, even in patients with the same diagnosis. A brain tumor in one person can behave very differently from an apparently similar tumor in another. Tools like whole genome methylation profiling give us the resolution to see those differences clearly, so treatment can be planned for the specific individual. At MedGenome, our mission is to enable early diagnosis and targeted disease management through genetic and molecular-level insights. Science and innovation are at the core of our work. This first-of-its-kind, genomic test is a testament to our commitment to developing science-backed, affordable omics solutions for the world.”

MedGenome’s CNS Tumor Methylation Classifier Test aligns with the World Health Organization’s 2021 guidelines for CNS tumor classification. It delivers results within 21 days and includes WHO grade assignment, genome-wide copy number profiling, and key gene alteration detection in line with the best global practices.