The IvyGene test is a ground-breaking new blood test that uses advanced DNA Sequencing methods to detect the DNA methylation pattern of ctDNA in plasma samples in order to both confirm the presence of methylation patterns consistent with disease presence and give quantifiable data about disease presence. Please, visit our website! www.ivygenelabs.com Testing services are available now! DNA within cells can be modified by the addition of a methyl group (-CH3) to select sites within the genome. Depending on where the site is located within the genome, these DNA methylation sites can be indicators that a particular gene is being expressed (activated) or silenced (inactivated). Consequentially, normal cells and cancer cells can be differentiated by detecting which of these sites within the genome are methylated. During malignant transformation (the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells), there are significant changes in gene expression. These changes in gene expression are highly correlated to changes to the methylation pattern of genomic DNA. The genomic DNA of cancer cells can be shed into circulation due to cancer cell death (apoptosis or necrosis) or release from viable cells. Once the genomic DNA of a cancer cell is shed into the blood stream, it is called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This ctDNA retains the DNA methylation pattern of the cancer cell form which is was shed. IvyGene is intended to be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, not to replace normal standards of care.