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Sonora Quest Laboratories Launches Hereditary Cancer Gene Testing

Wednesday, March 07, 2018   |   Category: Press Releases

Arizona’s leading diagnostic provider offers new 34-gene panel, assessing risk of 15 inherited cancers

TEMPE, Ariz. (March 07, 2018) – Sonora Quest Laboratories, Arizona’s leading provider of diagnostic testing and information services, has announced the availability of three new lab tests designed to help identify an individual's risk of developing hereditary forms of cancer. These tests can enable patients to understand their risk and take appropriate changes in lifestyle, through the guidance of their healthcare provider, to reduce their risk. These new tests include BRCAvanatge®, which tests for genes associated with BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, and GIvantage™, which tests for risk of hereditary colon and gastric cancers.

What has been coined the “Angelina effect” after the actress underwent a double mastectomy based on a positive BRCA test, increased the interest of nearly 10 million women aged 18 to 64 who, as researchers found, ordered the now widely-recognized DNA test following her announcement. Mainly recommended for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, the preventative screening is also intended for males looking to asses their risk of inherited cancers.

Nearly 1.7 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2018, and as many as 10% of those cancers will be the result of an inherited gene mutation. Insight into hereditary risk enables an individual to consider steps, such as more frequent screening, to potentially detect cancer in an earlier, more treatable stage.
"Sonora Quest Laboratories is proud to offer a menu of extensive DNA testing for a variety of hereditary cancers. We believe it is imperative to our continued mission to empower and educate consumers on how to manage their health by providing them with the innovative resources to be able to do so,” said Christina Noble, chief growth officer.
The new lab-developed tests, available through Sonora Quest’s parent company, Quest Diagnostics, feature a 34-gene panel called MYvantage™ that includes several genes not widely found on existing cancer risk panels. Emerging evidence suggests that the presence of certain mutations of these genes may heighten an individual's likelihood of developing certain types of breast, ovarian, endometrial and other cancers.

Additionally, the hereditary cancer testing solution is designed to support the patient through the entire testing process, with access to third-party genetic counselor services and support for patients through prior authorization and health plan reimbursement. The company also provides financial assistance to qualified uninsured and underinsured patients. Patients may access test results on their desktop or mobile device through the company's website, SonoraQuest.com.

For more information on the Sonora Quest Hereditary Cancer menu, visit www.SonoraQuest.com/HereditaryCancer.



About Sonora Quest Laboratories
Sonora Quest Laboratories, a joint venture between Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), is part of the nation’s largest integrated laboratory system with approximately 3,100 employees serving more than 23,000 patients every day throughout Arizona. Sonora Quest Laboratories is the market share leader in clinical laboratory testing in Arizona, performing more than 60 million diagnostic tests per year. Sonora Quest Laboratories offers a local comprehensive test menu which encompasses routine, molecular, prescription drug monitoring, genetic/genomic, women’s health and pathology testing services. Ninety-eight percent of all testing is performed at our primary testing facilities located in Tempe, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott and Yuma. Sonora Quest Laboratories is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) which is the gold standard in laboratory accreditation, helping laboratories to maintain accuracy of test results and ensure accurate patient diagnosis. This accreditation ensures the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients as CAP inspectors examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and records, and overall management. 



About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our 44,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com