Pangaea Oncology has been the first laboratory accredited for determining oncological biomarkers in blood (liquid biopsy) by the UNE-EN ISO 15189 standard. "Waging on a quality diagnosis is one of our highest priorities and the ENAC mark is the best to meets this priority," explains Dr. Miguel Ángel Molina Vila, technical director of the laboratory.

This laboratory has extensive experience in the Oncology field, and was the first to be accredited in 2009 for gene mutation tissue analysis associated with tumour processes, specifically in lung cancer. The analysis results enable the response to certain drugs to be predicted and to give personalized medicine to patients.

For the laboratory, to have ENAC's accreditation gives strategic value in their business: "In one sense, accreditation for tissue, serum and plasma analyses requires a continuous effort to maintain high quality levels which benefit patients and oncologists. In addition, obtaining the ENAC brand has helped Pangaea sign contracts as a reference laboratory for clinical trials and retrospective studies with large national and international laboratories and pharmaceutical companies" notes the technical director.

Tumorous DNA circulates in cancer patients' blood and the mutations present in the tumours can be detected which helps decide treatment. Determining these mutations in a small amount of tumorous DNA circulating in the blood has been made possible thanks to technological advances in molecular biology.

The liquid biopsy technique is less invasive than a traditional biopsy, since it consists of removing blood. This is especially relevant for cancers, including lung cancer, where it is not always possible to get a tissue sample from the patient's tumour.

The advances in this field are constant and are revolutionizing Oncology. Accrediting the Laboratories performing these types of determinations in a field of continuous technological and clinical development gives confidence to the obtained results. Dr. Molina explains them:

Determining, or not, the presence of certain genetic disorders in a tumour or a liquid biopsy is often key to choosing the best treatment for a patient. Incorrect or unreliable analysis can have serious consequences for cancer patients, such as a lower survival rate or a worse quality of life. ENAC's quality seal has helped patients and doctors trust and feel more assured of the results released by our laboratory."