Cancer Whole-Exome Sequencing
Identifying coding mutations in cancer
Sequencing the cancer exome provides valuable information about the coding mutations contributing to tumor progression. Because the exome represents less than 2% of the genome, cancer whole-exome sequencing (WES) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is a cost-effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Cancer exome sequencing also produces a more manageable data set compared to whole-genome approaches.
Key benefits of cancer exome sequencing
- Identifies cancer variants across a wide range of applications
- Offers a cost-effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing
- Enables deep sequencing of coding regions of the genome to detect rare cancer-associated variants
- Generates a more manageable data set for easier analysis than WGS data
Potential applications of WES in cancer research
Biomarker discovery
Cancer researchers can use WES and RNA sequencing to uncover tumor-associated gene expression profiles.
Capturing variant data from blood
Discovering genetic variants in blood samples using WES is minimally invasive and may help researchers capture predictive or diagnostic cancer biomarkers.
Informing research into cancer susceptibility
Research into factors associated with cancer susceptibility and early incidence is vital for future translational insights and targetable genes or pathways.
Tumor exomes reveal new insights into cancer biology
Learn how researchers in Italy perform cancer WES from tumor biopsy samples to better understand the genetic underpinnings of tumor onset and progression, identify biomarkers, and predict response to therapeutic interventions.
Read articleComprehensive cancer whole-exome sequencing workflow
Illumina offers library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis research options for sequencing cancer exomes. Streamlined library prep workflows and flexible kit configurations accommodate multiple study designs. User-friendly tools simplify data analysis.
Library prep
Illumina DNA Prep with Exome 2.5 Enrichment
A high-performance, fast, and complete whole-exome sequencing kit including library prep and hybridization reagents, a comprehensive exome probe panel, clean up/size selection beads, and indexes.
Sequencing
NextSeq 1000 and 2000 Systems
These cost-efficient, user-friendly, mid-throughput benchtop sequencers offer extreme flexibility to support new and emerging applications.
NovaSeq X Series
The NovaSeq X Series offers vast application breadth, enabling data-intensive methods at production scale.
Data analysis
Illumina DRAGEN Secondary Analysis
Accurate, comprehensive, and efficient analysis of NGS data for a range of applications, including exome as well as genome, transcriptome, and methylome studies.
Related sequencing methods
Cancer whole-genome sequencing
Discover novel features and benefits with whole-genome sequencing for cancer research.
Cancer RNA sequencing
See how RNA-Seq can reveal information about cancer gene expression and gene fusions that drive tumor progression.
Cancer Research Methods Guide
The Cancer Research Methods Guide is a 40+ page comprehensive resource with simple, comprehensive workflows for a broad range of cancer research applications. This guide includes single-cell sequencing, spatial sequencing, methylation profiling, multiomics, cell-free RNA sequencing, and more.
Download free guideKeep exploring
Tackling the unique complexity of pediatric cancer
A new exome-based test will help determine the genetic variants—germline and somatic—driving these rare cancers.
NGS proves invaluable for finding rare biomarkers
In this article, Dr. Vivek Subbiah explains how finding a rare biomarker can have a big impact on cancer patients.
Why choose whole-genome or exome sequencing?
Explore the benefits of both approaches to understand which method is best for your research.
References
Schwarze K, Buchanan J, Taylor JC, Wordsworth, S. Are whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing approaches cost-effective? A systematic review of the literature. Genet Med. 2018 Oct;20(10):1122-1130. doi: 10.1038/gim.2017.247.