SENTIS™ hereditary cancer test
A comprehensive genetic test that analyses mutations in 90 genes associated with 25 different cancer types. The test helps identify inherited genetic risks and supports informed decisions on cancer prevention, early detection, or treatment adjustment.
Your DNA can reveal hereditary cancer risk
About 1 in 10 cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic changes. These mutations are most often linked to breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and other cancers. For many people, inherited risk remains unknown – until the disease is already advanced.
The SENTIS™ test enables early identification of this risk, offering the opportunity for prevention, closer surveillance, or – if a diagnosis is already present – adjustment of the treatment plan.
What does the SENTIS™ hereditary cancer test analyse?
SENTIS™ assesses whether a person has inherited genetic changes that increase the risk of specific cancers. The test analyses 90 genes associated with 25 different cancer types – from the most common (breast, colorectal, prostate) to rarer ones (pancreatic, gastric, and others). SENTIS™ can help to:
Identify genetic risk factors for hereditary cancer
Assess cancer risk before the first symptoms occur
Adjust prevention and treatment strategies
Inform family members about potential inherited risk
Support decisions on more frequent screening or the need for genetic counselling
Prevention and treatment: when decisions are guided by your genetics
SENTIS™ helps clarify whether your cancer risk is encoded in your genes. This information supports personalised decisions on prevention, screening, lifestyle changes, and even treatment strategy.
Early identification of hereditary cancer risk
Detecting genetic alterations allows increased risk to be identified before symptoms appear – improving the chances of early detection and successful treatment.
More precise treatment decisions for oncology patients
If cancer has already been diagnosed, identifying genetic mutations can help select more effective treatment. Test results may lead to a change in treatment strategy in up to 30% of cases.
Benefits for the whole family
If an inherited genetic variant is identified in your family, testing can help clarify risk for other relatives. This supports planning for enhanced surveillance or preventive measures.
Individualised prevention strategies
Inheritance does not mean inevitability – genetic information enables proactive steps such as more frequent screening, lifestyle changes, or even preventive surgery.
When and for whom is the test recommended?
For individuals with a family history of cancer
If close relatives (parents, siblings, children) have been diagnosed with cancer –especially at a young age – this test helps determine whether you inherited increased risk.
For patients already diagnosed with cancer
Genetic mutations can guide individual treatment decisions – optimising medication choice, surgical extent, or follow-up intensity.
For those planning a family
If an inherited mutation is identified, the likelihood of passing risk to children can be assessed, and – if needed – specialised genetic counselling or assisted reproduction options can be considered.
For those who want to take preventive action early
Even if you are currently healthy, inherited genetic risk may indicate a need for more frequent screening, closer health monitoring, or lifestyle modification.
SENTIS™ reliability: accuracy and quality metrics
SENTIS™ is performed using advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, enabling highly accurate detection of mutations linked to hereditary cancer risk. The test is conducted in an accredited laboratory following international genetic testing guidelines.
99.9% accuracy in detecting gene mutations
Analysis of up to 90 genes associated with 25 cancer types
Genetically informed cancer prevention
Take the SENTIS™ test and find out whether hereditary cancer risk is present in your genes.
For Specialists
All key information in one place – from the genes analysed to test accuracy and clinical value. This section is intended for specialists who want a detailed understanding of the test rationale, structure, and practical applications.
Up to 12% of all cancers are hereditary. A strong genetic component has been identified in melanoma (58%), prostate (57%), ovarian (38%), kidney (38%), breast (31%), and uterine (27%) cancers. Inherited mutations are most often transmitted through germ cells and are associated with earlier disease onset – often before age 45. Hereditary cancers may also present with rare patterns of primary tumours.
According to U.S. data, when an inherited mutation is identified in a cancer patient, treatment strategy is adjusted in 28% of cases. Results help better predict the risk of secondary tumours and assess whether PARP inhibitor therapy may be appropriate.
- SENTIS for women: up to 85 genetic variants associated with 24 cancer types
- SENTIS for men: up to 90 genetic variants associated with 23 cancer types
Data is continuously updated to ensure the analysis remains current and accurate.
SENTIS is performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The test analyses exons of all included genes and adjacent intronic regions. It detects point mutations, deletions, insertions, duplications, and structural variants. Clinically relevant variants (pathogenic or likely pathogenic) are confirmed using Sanger sequencing.
The SENTIS test was validated during AstraZeneca clinical trials of olaparib (SOLO1, SOLO2, OlympiA, OlympiAD). The test is performed in an ISO 15189 certified laboratory in Denmark. Turnaround time is up to 18 business days from sample receipt. Sample type: venous blood.
