Accurate Detection of Fusion Transcripts

Cancer researchers now have a set of TaqMan gene expression assays designed to detect fusion transcripts using real-time PCR. Certain fusion transcripts are considered rare and are not well characterized; therefore, detecting these rare events using a single technology can deliver ambiguous results. As such, researchers often employ an orthogonal method of validation to confirm results. As a complementary solution to next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels, including the Oncomine Focus Assay, the TaqMan gene expression assays are designed to serve as an orthogonal validation method for confirming NGS results.