Insight PCB
Precision Genomic Profiling of Bowel Cancer
A liquid biopsy (blood test) designed in partnership with Breaking BRAF for BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer.
RareCan has designed the Insight PCB test in partnership with Breaking Braf to provide detailed genetic profiling of BRAF-mutated bowel cancers. It covers the critical genes and biomarkers to help clinicians make treatment decisions.
Insight PCB is for people with colorectal cancer with a BRAF mutation already identified who want a detailed analysis to support decision making, or people who want to know whether they have a BRAF mutation.
Ready to book a test?
To find out if this or any of our genomic tests are right for you, please book a free discovery call below:
About the Insight PCB genomic test
Our specialised liquid biopsy providing detailed genetic profiling of BRAF mutated bowel cancer
The Insight PCB test focuses on the critical BRAF and MAPK/ERK signalling pathways, offering comprehensive coverage of RAS and RAF drivers, alongside essential tumour suppressors, mismatch repair (MMR) genes, and actionable fusions. The test is done from a blood sample to provide a detailed understanding of your tumour biology – with results written for people, not just specialists.
What it is for:
The test is designed to support therapeutic decision-making, including the selection of:
- Anti-EGFR Therapies (e.g. Panitumumab, Cetuximab)
- BRAF Inhibitor Combinations (e.g. Encorafenib + Cetuximab)
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (e.g. Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab)
- Targeted Therapies (e.g. HER2, TRK, MET inhibitors)
Why it is different:
- Specifically designed to cover the most important genes and biomarkers for colorectal cancer patients
- UK-focused clinical trial matching, explained in context
- A clear, human-readable summary – not just technical findings
Price: £2,500
What the InsightPCB covers:
What Insight PCB genomic test covers
Single Nucleotide Variant (SNV) & Insertion-Deletion (Indel) Reporting (31 genes)
AKT, ALK, APC, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, FBXW7, FGFR2, FGFR3, HRAS, KRAS, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, MAPK1, MET, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, NRAS, NTRK1, NTRK2, PIK3CA, PMS2, POLD1, POLE, PTEN, RET, ROS1, SMAD4, TP53, VEGF-A.
Single Nucleotide Variant (SNV)
A tiny change or ‘spelling mistake’ in just one single letter of your DNA code that can alter how a cell works and behaves.
Insertion-Deletion (Indel)
When a small piece of DNA is accidentally added in or missing entirel – much like an instruction manual with an extra paragraph inserted or a sentence deleted – disrupting the gene’s normal instructions.
Copy Number Variation (CNV) Reporting (12 genes)
ALK, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, FGFR2, FGFR3, KRAS, MET, NRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, RET
Copy Number Variation (CNV)
When a cell accidentally makes too many or too few copies of a specific gene. Having too many copies of a faulty gene can act like an amplifier, driving the cancer to grow.
Fusion Reporting (9 genes)
ALK, BRAF, EGFR, FGFR2, FGFR3, RET, NTRK1, NTRK2, ROS1
Fusion
When two completely separate genes abnormally break and join together to form a new, faulty gene that actively drives cancer growth. These can often be targeted very effectively with modern treatments.
Quantitative Biomarkers
Tumour Mutational Burden (TMB)
Microsatellite Instability (MSI)
Quantitative Biomarkers
Measurable biological clues in your blood that give doctors specific numbers or levels – rather than just a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ result. This allows your medical team to accurately track your cancer or see exactly how well a treatment is working over time.
Tumour Fraction
An estimate of the fraction of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) contained in the cell free DNA extracted from the blood sample.
Ready to book an Insight PCB test?
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Want to learn more about ctDNA testing?
Demystifying cancer genomics: In this short video series, Medical Oncologist Dr. Christoph Oing explains how analysing ctDNA from a simple blood sample may reveal personalised, targeted treatment options for your cancer.
Understanding RareCan's blood-based cancer genomic tests in more detail
What is this test?
The Insight PCB test is a genomic (DNA-based) test designed to look for genetic changes in cancer using a simple blood sample. Tumours can release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. This is called circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA).
By analysing ctDNA, this test can provide information about the genetic features of a cancer without needing a tissue biopsy, or alongside one if tissue testing has already been done. Using this technology allows for genetic profiling of BRAF-mutated bowel cancer from a blood sample.
What does the test look for?
The test examines:
- Small changes in genes important in colorectal cancer (mutations) including Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) and Insertion-Deletion (InDels) across 31 genes; and Copy Number Variations (CNVs) in 12 genes
- Gene fusions important in colorectal cancer involving 9 genes
- Microsatellite instability (MSI), a feature of how DNA repair works
- Tumour mutational burden (TMB), a measure of how many mutations are present
These features may help doctors understand:
- how a cancer behaves,
- whether certain treatments or clinical trials might be relevant,
- how a tumour’s genetics change over time.
How is the test done?
- A blood sample is taken.
- The sample is sent to a genetics laboratory.
- DNA fragments in the blood are analysed using advanced sequencing technology.
- A report is produced and shared with you and your doctor (oncologist).
What can the results tell me?
The test may:
- identify genetic changes linked to your cancer,
- show that no reportable changes were detected,
- identify changes whose significance is not yet fully understood,
- occasionally be unable to produce a result due to technical reasons.
Your doctor will explain what the results mean in the context of your overall medical care.
Important limitations to understand
- Not all cancers release enough DNA into the blood. A normal result does not rule out cancer or genetic changes.
- The test does not detect every possible cancer mutation.
- Some DNA changes found in blood can come from normal blood cells rather than the tumour.
- The test cannot on its own decide treatment and should not replace medical advice or other tests.
Will this test tell me which treatment I will get?
Not necessarily. While the test may highlight genetic features linked to certain treatments or trials, it does not guarantee:
- access to a specific medicine,
- NHS availability,
- insurance approval,
- or that a treatment will work.
Who should I talk to about my results?
Always discuss your results with your doctor or specialist, who can explain what they mean for you and what steps, if any, should be taken next.
To find out if this or any of our genomic tests are right for you, please book a free discovery call below:
Other Genetic Tests
RareCan offers more than one type of genomic test. To see what else is available, click on the button below.
About our tests
- Our liquid biopsy tests work by analysing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in your blood to identify and characterise tumour-derived fragments (circulating tumour DNA, or ctDNA).
- Our tissue-based tests work by analysing tumour DNA from samples stored by your hospital following biopsy or surgery.
- The tests use Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on high throughput Illumina platforms to provide a genomic profile of your cancer.
- Our tests are extensively validated, accredited by the American College of Pathologists (CAP) and performed in an ISO 15198 accredited laboratory.
- Analysis and reporting is undertaken as per international guidelines (ACMG/AMP/ASCO/CAP) using a CE-IVD certified mutation database for variant interpretation and reporting.
- The output from the test is a report highlighting genetic variants found, providing information for clinicians on the potential relevance of any variants, and listing out clinical trials that might be treatment options based on the genomic profile of your cancer.
Regulatory information / disclaimer
- RareCan Insight genomic tests are registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as Class 1 in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
- They are intended for use by healthcare professionals for the qualitative identification of specific somatic variants in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) extracted from human whole blood or tumour DNA (tDNA) extracted from tumour tissue samples.
- The tests are intended to support clinicians in identifying potential clinical trials for which you may be eligible.
- The sample collection kits are intended for use by qualified phlebotomists and are not intended for patient self-testing or self-sampling.
- Results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in conjunction with your full clinical history, other diagnostic test results, and relevant clinical guidelines.
- The results are not intended to be used as the sole basis for treatment decisions, and further confirmatory testing may be required.
