In a significant step toward advancing precision cancer care in India, Agilus Diagnostics has introduced the automated Idylla molecular diagnostics system at its Goregaon laboratory, a technology capable of detecting critical cancer-related genetic mutations in as little as 2.5 to 3 hours.

The launch is expected to dramatically reduce the waiting time for molecular test results, helping oncologists make faster treatment decisions for patients battling cancer. Traditionally, such molecular testing can take several days, often delaying the start of targeted therapies.

The Idylla platform is a fully automated, cartridge-based molecular testing system that integrates sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection into a single workflow. By reducing manual handling and minimizing the possibility of pre-analytical errors, the technology delivers highly accurate and reproducible results within hours.

Experts say the ability to quickly identify actionable genetic mutations has become increasingly important in modern oncology, where treatment plans are often tailored to the unique genetic profile of a patient's tumor. Rapid biomarker testing can help doctors determine the most effective targeted therapy and avoid delays in treatment initiation.

The newly installed system can detect several clinically important cancer biomarkers, including EGFR mutations, which are commonly seen in lung cancer patients, particularly among Indian and Asian populations. It also identifies KRAS and NRAS mutations, often associated with colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and BRAF mutations, which are found in a variety of tumors including melanoma and colorectal cancer.

Beyond these established markers, the platform also supports testing for emerging biomarkers such as Microsatellite Instability (MSI) and IDH1/IDH2 mutations, both of which are gaining importance in determining eligibility for advanced targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Highlighting the significance of the technology, Dr. Anand K, MD and CEO of Agilus Diagnostics, said that the future of cancer care depends not only on innovative treatments but also on the ability to provide fast and accurate diagnoses.

"The future of oncology lies not just in advanced therapies, but in the ability to deliver fast, accurate diagnoses that can guide treatment decisions in real time. The introduction of the Idylla system at our Goregaon facility significantly enhances our molecular diagnostics capabilities and strengthens our commitment to precision medicine. By enabling rapid access to critical genomic insights, we aim to empower clinicians with timely, actionable information that can improve treatment outcomes and expand access to quality cancer care," he said.

Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Kunal Sharma, Vice President and Head of Integrated Onco-Pathology at Agilus Diagnostics, emphasized the impact that faster molecular insights can have on patient outcomes.

"Delivering actionable molecular insights within hours can significantly impact cancer care. The Idylla platform enables rapid detection of key mutations such as EGFR, KRAS, NRAS and BRAF with minimal manual intervention and high analytical performance. This is especially valuable in scenarios where time is critical and tissue samples are limited. With this launch, we continue to strengthen our commitment to providing cutting-edge, high-quality precision diagnostics," he said.

The introduction of the Idylla system further strengthens Agilus Diagnostics' integrated oncology diagnostics network and reflects the growing role of precision medicine in cancer treatment. By shortening turnaround times for critical biomarker testing, the company aims to help clinicians deliver faster, more personalized treatment strategies and improve access to advanced cancer care for patients across India.