CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

ANGÉLICA RODRÍGUEZ

Angélica Rodríguez

National Oncology Institute in Panama, Research Team Member

Personalized Cancer Care from the Ground Up: Advancing Molecular Hematology in Panama

The team at the National Oncology Institute pushes precision medicine forward using targeted NGS from Paragon Genomics.

In Panama, researchers at the National Oncology Institute are working to close the gap between advanced cancer diagnostics and real-world patient care. With a focus on molecular hematology and oncology, the Laboratory of Cryopreservation and Molecular Hemato-Oncology is leading efforts to bring personalized medicine within reach for patients across the country.

Angélica Rodríguez, a member of the research team, shared how the lab’s early work with Paragon Genomics’ targeted NGS panels helped transform their workflow. The kit delivered reliable coverage and strong performance, streamlining molecular diagnostics and strengthening the lab’s research capabilities.

TP53, a tumor suppressor gene often linked to blood cancers, served as the lab’s first target. The Paragon Genomics panel allowed Rodríguez’s team to integrate genomic data with other diagnostic tools like flow cytometry, FISH, and PCR—offering a more complete picture for each case. The kit’s flexibility also proved useful, enabling them to pair it with additional platforms and expand their testing approach.

Cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and usability made Paragon Genomics the right fit. As Rodríguez explains, these advantages help small teams do big things, helping to improve the accuracy and depth of their studies and moving toward a more personalized approach to treatment.

With future plans to grow their testing portfolio, the team continues to rely on targeted sequencing to bring better care to patients with hematologic cancers.

To learn more, Paragon Genomics spoke with Angélica Rodríguez in the customer interview below.

How has your experience been using the Paragon Genomics Panel in your research?

Angélica Rodríguez (AR): Our overall experience has been positive. Initially, we encountered some difficulties due to the lack of details and specifications in the protocol, which led us to repeat some tests. However, with the support of Caipro and adjustments in the sample input, we managed to correct these issues and optimize the use of the kit.

Can you briefly describe your research focus and the specific goals of your project?

AR: We focus on molecular diagnosis and characterization in hematology and oncology, specifically on TP53 as our first target. Our goal is to expand our portfolio towards personalized medicine for patients in the hematology department.

How would you describe the ease of use of the kit? Were there any aspects that stood out compared to other kits?

AR: This kit has been very practical, accessible, and easy to use. Its flexibility has allowed us to enhance our diagnostics in the Cryopreservation and Molecular Hemato-Oncology laboratory.

“This kit has been very practical, accessible, and easy to use. Its flexibility has allowed us to enhance our diagnostics in the Cryopreservation and Molecular Hemato-Oncology laboratory.”
“We chose Paragon Genomics’ NGS library prep kit for its cost, accessibility, and ease of use.”

What were the biggest challenges or limitations in your workflow before using our NGS library prep kit?

AR: Before using this kit, we faced the need to repeat tests due to unspecified adjustments in the initial protocol, causing delays in results. Correcting these details significantly improved our workflow.

What made you choose Paragon Genomics’ NGS library prep kit over other available options?

AR: We chose Paragon Genomics’ NGS library prep kit for its cost, accessibility, and ease of use. Additionally, the protocol’s flexibility allows us to optimize our tests in combination with other platforms.

How did the panel perform in terms of coverage uniformity and on-target rates?

AR: After making the necessary adjustments, the panel has demonstrated good performance, allowing us to obtain more reliable results in our analyses.

How has the panel contributed to your research on cancer? Has it provided any new insights or facilitated your studies?

AR: Yes, it has strengthened our diagnostics by complementing other platforms such as flow cytometry, FISH, and PCR, improving the accuracy and depth of our studies.

Would you recommend using Paragon Genomics to other researchers? If so, why?

AR: Yes, we would recommend it due to its accessibility, ease of use, and flexibility in the protocol, which enhances diagnostics and efficiency in the laboratory.

Do you plan to continue using this panel and Paragon Genomics in your future research projects? If yes, what are your goals?

AR: Yes, we plan to continue using it. Our goal is to expand our testing portfolio to advance personalized medicine for hematology patients.

“It has strengthened our diagnostics by complementing other platforms such as flow cytometry, FISH, and PCR, improving the accuracy and depth of our studies.”