FROM SINGLE MUTATIONS TO WHOLE GENOMES | MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGIES SHAPING PRECISION ONCOLOGY DIAGNOSTICS
Table 4 . Summary of Key Differences: qPCR vs. tNGS vs. WGS in Precision Oncology Diagnostics
Expanding Precision Oncology Through Scalable, Accessible, and Future-Proof Diagnostic Design
sustainability. This includes modular workflows that can scale from RUO to IVD, and flexible architectures capable of incorporating updated gene panels and new bioinformatics software platforms. Finally, the choice of molecular technique—qPCR, tNGS, or WGS— should reflect not only the assay’s role in the clinical pathway, but also the cost, interpretive complexity, and bioinformatics infrastructure required to support effective market uptake. 14, 15 To succeed, assay developers must think holistically— from scalable, future-ready workflows to integration of user-friendly reporting systems. 17, 18 Strategic partnerships with experienced reagent suppliers and service providers can reduce development risk, accelerate R&D timelines, and ensure manufacturing readiness at a global scale. In a landscape where the value of a diagnostic lies not only in its performance but also in its ability to support care delivery, the next era of precision oncology will be defined by greater integration, accessibility, and intelligence across diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring strategies.
As precision oncology becomes a cornerstone of modern cancer care, the accessibility of molecular diagnostics is emerging as a defining challenge—and opportunity—for assay developers. While centralized genomic testing remains the norm in high-resource settings, this model often excludes patients in underserved regions, where logistical barriers, infrastructure limitations, and workforce shortages restrict access to novel molecular techniques. Bridging this gap requires a new generation of precision oncology diagnostics that are not only analytically robust but also point-of-care compatible, scalable, and globally deployable. 25, 26 Infrastructure-light solutions that eliminate cold- chain dependencies and minimize reliance on specialized personnel are well-suited to meet the growing demand for precision diagnostics in regional hospitals, community clinics, and emerging markets. 19, 27 Future-proofing assays—by designing them to adapt to evolving biomarkers, regulatory changes, and technological advances—is also essential for maintaining long-term clinical relevance and market
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