Oncogene: Pioneering service offering genetic testing for tailored cancer treatment

Around 35,000 Norwegians are diagnosed with cancer every year. Oncogene is the only private laboratory in Norway offering digital DNA sequencing of cancer cells and other mutations creating autoimmune diseases. Shining a light on the role genetic heritage plays in providing effective, tailored treatments for each patient, Oncogene believes precision medicine is the way forward.

Oncogene is located on the outskirts of the historic city of Lillestrøm. Dating back almost 25 years, Kunnskapsbyen Lillestrøm (Lillestrøm Centre of Expertise) is a unique development association focused on building bridges between science and industry with the goal of fostering innovation and sustainable growth. Oncogene is based in Kunnskapsbyens Hus at Forskningsparken Kjeller, which is one of Norway’s largest communities dedicated to research and knowledge development.

The vibrant park is host to a variety of enterprises within the fields of health, science, technology and environmentally friendly business development. “We’re happy to be working alongside others in the field of medicine, technology and innovation,” says Oncogene’s president and CEO, Morten Duesund. “The research park is the home of some of Norway’s pioneers, carrying out important research and working with cutting-edge technologies.”

The innovative company is the only Norway-based service offering DNA sequencing for cancer patients, developing tailored solutions based on each patient’s individual genetics to offer better, more precise treatments and assist clinicians. “Our driving force is the patients we help,” Duesund says. He shares the story of a female patient who was told she had only a few months to live but was cleared of cancer after receiving targeted treatment informed by sequencing. “What we do saves lives – we can provide information that makes it possible for the patients and their doctors to make the best decisions for their health.”

Morten Duesund, CEO

New hope in the field of cancer treatment

Cancer treatment often takes a one-size-fits-all approach once the type of cancer has been identified. The standard treatment for most cancers is chemotherapy, where all cells are targeted in the hope that the cancer cells will be eradicated. “Chemotherapy is powerful, but also hard on the body,” Duesund explains. “By identifying exactly what type of cancer and mutation the patient has, we can identify the exact amount and type of chemotherapy that should be used, as well as other specialised medicines available, to offer the patient better treatment tailored to their needs.”

Oncogene’s advanced methods and unique approach can provide new hope within the field of cancer treatment. By carrying out advanced genetic testing of cancer cells, the mutation that has caused the cancer can be identified. This way, treatment providers can assess the possibilities for treatment with precision medicine, allowing the patients to receive treatment according to their specific form of cancer. “Every individual’s health and genetic heritage is unique,” says Duesund. “By utilising innovative new technology, we can discover and gain a better understanding of mutations. Our goal is to make genetic analysis of cancer cells cheaper, more accessible, and with faster results so that patients can get greater peace of mind and more knowledge about their own health.”

Oncogene is a pioneer when it comes to the fight against cancer, working towards ushering in a new era of precision medicine in the lives of clinicians and cancer patients in Norway. “Through advanced genetic testing and cutting-edge technologies like sequencing and bioinformatics, we focus on uncovering and interpreting each patient’s unique genetic code and utilising this information to identify the most effective treatment options,” says Duesund. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone. Our services are available to anybody, whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or want a screening to have better insight into your genes.”

Quicker results with new and efficient technology

Since Oncogene is based in Norway and uses state-of-the-art technology and a specialised analysis process, patients can get their test results within as little as 3 days. Oncogene collaborates with Norway’s leading private cancer clinics and people can be tested at these medical centres across Norway. The samples will be sent to Oncogene’s laboratory in Kjeller. If samples are tested abroad, patients may have to wait up to 5-8 weeks to receive their results. “Ensuring patients get results as quickly as possible was a priority in the development of Oncogene. Providing this service quickly is costly, but reduces the wait time drastically,” Duesund explains. “When you receive a cancer diagnosis, time is the most important element. 8 weeks is a long time to wait for test results if you, or loved ones, are diagnosed with cancer.”

Oncogene is working on digitally connecting to the Norwegian health service so that the reports form part of the patient’s electronic record in the public system used by hospitals and general practitioners. This ease of sharing reliable and personal information is not possible for testing abroad, however. “By having genetic testing carried out in Norway, the patient saves time and cost. Having it done domestically is also more sustainable as unnecessary CO2 emissions from air transportation can be avoided,” Duesund adds. “We’re also focused on patient privacy – reports are processed safely within the closed system in Norway and only accessible to the patients and their treatment providers.”

Web: www.oncogene.no