The Medical City (TMC) has teamed up with biotech leader Gene Solutions to bring advanced DNA testing closer to Filipino families. Through this partnership, a state-of-the-art Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility is now operational at TMC Ortigas, offering faster, more affordable tests for cancer and prenatal screening.

For families who previously had to wait weeks and pay high fees to send DNA samples abroad, this partnership is a game-changer. Testing can now be done locally, with results available sooner and at a lower cost.

Why This Matters for Filipino Patients

DNA testing used to be something only a few could access. But with NGS technology now available locally, more Filipinos can benefit from:

• Early cancer screening – A simple blood test can detect signs of cancer even before symptoms appear. 
• Safe pregnancy screening – Mothers-to-be can check their baby’s health without risking the baby’s safety.
• Personalized treatment – For patients already diagnosed with cancer, doctors can tailor treatments based on the unique genetic makeup of the tumor.

Available Tests Now at The Medical City

The partnership offers a range of advanced DNA tests that are now available locally:

• triSure NIPT – A safe, non-invasive test during pregnancy to screen for common genetic conditions in the baby (like Down syndrome and certain rare disorders). No need for painful procedures.
• SPOT-MAS – A blood test that can help detect tumor signals by checking for circulating tumor DNA in the bloodstream. This can help detect cancer even before any symptoms appear. The technology is also available for single-cancer screening, focusing on lung and colorectal cancers.
• oncoGS – A test for patients with cancer to find out which treatments may work best based on their tumor’s unique genetic makeup.

Personalized Treatment, Better Outcomes Closer to Home

"Before this partnership, we had to send samples to Gene Solutions’ central laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam, which could result in longer wait times and higher logistics costs. Now, with our laboratory partnership with TMC, we are confident that this collaboration will bring significant benefits and greater accessibility to Filipino patients, Gene Solutions Philippines Director, Ms. Mary Josephine Rapadas, shared.

With the new local laboratory, results are delivered faster since there’s no need to send samples abroad. The cost of testing is also lower with the elimination of international shipping and handling fees. Free post-test counseling is also available to support patients every step of the way, offering expert guidance to help patients understand their results and decide on the next steps with confidence.

“This collaboration is part of The Medical City’s commitment to give patients access to medical innovations that can lead to better outcomes. By making DNA testing more accessible, we want to empower patients and families to make informed health decisions,” Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, Executive Vice President & CEO of TMC Ortigas, said. 

These services will soon be available at other The Medical City hospitals and clinics nationwide, with all DNA samples processed locally at the Ortigas laboratory. This marks an important advancement in making proactive healthcare and personalized treatment more accessible to Filipinos.

To learn more, talk to your doctor at The Medical City or visit www.themedicalcity.com to book an appointment.