Since 2014, the GeneOnLink(GoL) precision medicine division has been established to provide Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis services for cancer studies, including experimental designs, sequencing services, bioinformatics analyses, and consulting services.

KimForest’s precision medicine products can be divided into two categories. The first category provides genetic testing, drug reports, and monitoring tools for cancer patients. We use NGS to detect a patient’s mutations and find relevant FDA-approved drugs, off-label use drugs, and global clinical trials for these mutations. As for relapse monitoring, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is extracted from the blood and we identify circulating tumor DNA in cfDNA as an indicator to find cancer cells.

We also have a panel for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. This panel detects the presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. When either BRCA1/2 is mutated, its protein product is either not made or does not function correctly, which can lead to DNA damage not being repaired properly. Thus, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer.

The second category, called GoL Life, provides a non-invasive genome-wide health assessment for healthy patients. A customer’s DNA is collected from cells via mouthwash and we decipher the DNA, detect which genes have changes, and report the risks of different traits such as obesity, alcohol flush reaction, and cancer. Since DNA does not change much in life, customers only need to have one test to understand their DNA.

Moreover, GoL Life is designed for Asians: we examine genes that change constantly in Asians. The GoL lab is designated for Precision Medicine. We have been using sophisticated techniques such as NGS to serve our clients. The GoL lab has thus far analyzed more than thousand cancer samples. Since multiple biomarker analysis was initiated and has been operated at our lab, the quality of these tests has been widely recognized.

As our business grows, GoL lab has recruited a Professor (MD & Ph.D.) as a Chief Operation Officer and many MD and Ph.D. on our scientific board. We hope that we can bring these valuable services to anyone who needs them!