Illumina has released the TruSight Oncology 500 v2 (TSO 500 v2), a significantly upgraded version of its flagship cancer research assay. The TSO 500 v2 is a comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tool designed to accelerate research in precision medicine by providing a detailed molecular profile of a tumor from a small tissue sample. This new assay features several key enhancements that address common challenges in research labs. A major addition is the inclusion of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status for all samples at no extra cost, leveraging a gold-standard Genomic Instability Scoring (GIS) algorithm licensed from Myriad Genetics. This integration expands the potential for researchers to study the HRD biomarker across a wider range of cancer types, which could lead to new insights for HRD-based therapies.

Beyond its new capabilities, the TSO 500 v2 also offers a more streamlined and efficient workflow. It requires a lower tissue input and boasts a faster turnaround time, which are crucial for labs dealing with limited samples and tight schedules. The assay also has a strong focus on sustainability and user experience, with new kit configurations that use 50% less packaging and 70% fewer tubes, and a color-coded system that makes the workflow easier and less prone to error. With integrated and automated data analysis, broad compatibility across sequencers, and a commitment to providing a complete workflow solution, Illumina aims to enable more efficient and scalable CGP, ultimately advancing cancer therapy research and improving access to personalized treatment.