Lung Cancer Prevention
HELIXMOKER
HELIXMOKER is a targeted genomic prevention tool designed to detect early molecular signs of cancer risk in smokers and individuals exposed to significant air pollution.
HELIXMOKER is a targeted genomic tool for Lung Cancer Prevention, specifically designed for smokers and individuals exposed to significant air pollution. It focuses on detecting early molecular alterations that may signal an increased risk of developing tumors of the respiratory system.
The program analyzes somatic mutations in genes directly involved in lung carcinogenesis. Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke and airborne pollutants induces cumulative DNA damage which, when no longer properly repaired, leads to an increased mutation burden and progressive genomic instability. This instability is a measurable biomarker of the prodromal phase—the asymptomatic stage that precedes tumor development. By identifying and quantifying these alterations, HELIXMOKER enables early interception and supports a personalized strategy for Lung Cancer Prevention in high-risk individuals.
Indications
HELIXMOKER is recommended for individuals who fall into one or more of the following risk categories:
- Active smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.
- Heavy smokers (≥20 cigarettes/day or ≥20 pack-years).
- Former smokers, especially those who quit within the last 15 years or with a significant cumulative exposure.
- Individuals exposed to second-hand smoke in domestic, social, or occupational environments.
- People living in high-pollution areas, particularly with chronic exposure to PM2.5 or combustion-derived pollutants.
- Workers exposed to airborne carcinogens, such as asbestos, silica, diesel exhaust, solvents, or industrial fumes.
- Individuals with a family history of lung cancer or other cancers associated with tobacco-related mutational signatures.
- People with chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD or chronic bronchitis, where genomic instability may be amplified by inflammation.
- Individuals seeking a proactive strategy for Lung Cancer Prevention through the monitoring of somatic mutations.
What the test evaluates
HELIXMOKER allows smokers and individuals exposed to air pollution to undergo yearly molecular monitoring to ensure that smoke-related damage to the body is kept under control. The damage becomes evident at the genetic level as an increase in the mutation frequencies of specific genes linked to the respiratory system. By analysing this mutational profile, it is possible to intercept cancers of the respiratory tract in their prodromal, asymptomatic phase, when prevention strategies are most effective.
| 11 Genes | ||
|---|---|---|
| ALK | KRAS | PIK3CA |
| BRAF | MAP2K1 | ROS1 |
| EGFR | MET | TP53 |
| ERBB2 | NRAS | |
| 169 HOTSPOT | |
|---|---|
| EGFR: | T790M, L858R, Exon19 del, C797S |
| KRAS: | G12X, G13X, Q61X |
| ALK: | I1151 Tins, L1152R, C1156Y |
| BRAF: | V600E |
An innovative model
HELIXMOKER represents a modern approach to Lung Cancer Prevention, based on the objective evaluation of somatic mutations induced by tobacco smoke and airborne pollutants rather than on subjective or family-based risk assessments. Using liquid biopsy and advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), the test identifies and quantifies acquired mutations that may signal early genomic instability—one of the earliest measurable indicators in the development of respiratory system cancers.
The true strength of HELIXMOKER lies in its annual repetition, which enables continuous monitoring of mutation frequencies over time. By comparing molecular data year after year, the test provides a dynamic assessment of genomic stability in individuals exposed to smoke or pollution, facilitating the early interception of emerging alterations and supporting a more precise and personalized preventive strategy.
How the test is performed
Bioscience Institute offers pre-test advice and provides all useful information about the prevention program and the execution of the HELIXMOKER test.
The test involves a simple blood sample that can be performed at one of our reference centers or through your doctor.
The Bioscience Institute laboratories extract the DNA present in the sample and sequence it using the advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques. The subsequent bioinformatics analysis allows the determination of the presence of any mutations in the genes under examination.
Test results are available in approximately 30 days.
