UP webinar to discuss early cancer detection with Next Generation Sequencing

| Written by Deina Blancaflor

Over the past 15 years, cutting-edge research has made it possible to better understand cancer. It is a genetic disease that is borne out of genomic disruptions that drive gene expression changes or activate or silence genes, thereby altering gene networks and pathways.

Global efforts to study multiple cancer types are opening up opportunities for innovation in diagnostics, prognostication, and therapeutics. Recently, one platform is emerging as a top choice over other sequencing modalities—next generation sequencing (NGS). NGS is an incredible advancement in DNA sequencing wherein one can sequence many DNA strands simultaneously. This major achievement has allowed the mapping of the entire human genome in less than 24 hours. What makes NGS different from older, more traditional methods is that it does not depend on chain termination for determining the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which takes three to four steps. Instead, a corresponding fluorescent signal is emitted and is then detected in real time.

For doctors around the world, NGS has revolutionized cancer treatment. But how exactly does it work? 

This March 17, from 12nn to 2pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters.

This week’s episode of UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar series, titled “LABANAN ANG KANSER: Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Parating Na!,” will take a closer look at innovations in early diagnosis and treatment for cancer involving NGS. The main speaker is Dr. Eugene G. Odoño I, a Medical Specialist III at the UP-PGH Department of Laboratories.

Dr. Januario Antonio D. Veloso, Chair of the Dept. of Laboratories at UP-PGH, and Dr. Dennis L. Sacdalan, a medical-oncologist and consultant with the UP-PGH Department of Medicine, will also share their wisdom and expertise on the topic.

The synthesis and closing remarks will be delivered by Dr. Michele Sia H. Diwa, Chief of the Division of Molecular Pathology of the Department of Laboratories at UP-PGH.

Register for the webinar here and catch the weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community.