Melaseq™

Melaseq is not currently available or approved for clinical use. 

 

Melanoma: Australia’s National Cancer

Bar chart showing the percent of melanoma patients who had to ask multiple healthcare providers about their cancer before receiving a correct diagnosis.
Failure To Detect: Over 40% of Patients with Invasive Melanoma Were Initially Misdiagnosed. Sample size: 1137 patients and carers. Source: State of the Nation – A Report into Melanoma (Melanoma Patients Australia , Feb 2022)

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is a major health concern in Australia, 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 5-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. Melaseq detects a validated panel of these markers using advanced plasma purification methods and microRNA expression profiling.

Melaseq™: A Cutting-Edge Solution for Enhanced Melanoma Detection and Diagnosis

Melaseq™ represents a groundbreaking advancement in the fight against melanoma. This diagnostic tool is currently in development as a dual genomic blood and skin biopsy test. 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 38 microRNAs. MicroRNAs are a novel class of genes, recently identified as having significant functions both within and outside cells. Their unique disease-specific combinations offer a promising approach to distinguish between healthy tissues and cancerous cells effectively.

The Melaseq test encompasses thirty-eight molecular markers, each playing a crucial role in various aspects of cancer progression:

  • Angiogenesis & Inflammation: 3 distinct markers
  • Immune/Drug Resistance: 11 markers
  • Tumor Growth: 8 markers
  • Invasion/Metastasis: 16 markers

Geneseq Biosciences envisions that integrating Melaseq’s molecular biomarkers with existing imaging and histopathology methods will revolutionize melanoma diagnosis.

This integration aims to enhance the accuracy of melanoma detection, reducing the need for invasive, expensive, and sometimes disfiguring biopsies.

Melaseq is not currently available or approved for clinical use.