The increasing complexity of myeloid malignancies is driving labs toward more comprehensive genomic solutions, but a broader lens has traditionally meant greater operational burden. We sat down with Dr. Gayatry Mohapatra from the University of Illinois Chicago to understand how her team is navigating that bottleneck by leaning into the simplicity of DNA-based methods for consolidating the detection of multiple types of alternations in a single workflow.

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When myeloid insights can't wait, every step in the workflow counts

At the University of Illinois Chicago, Dr. Gayatry Mohapatra directs the genomic medicine program she built from the ground up. She's built it with a clear conviction: that comprehensive molecular characterization of myeloid malignancies demands both depth and efficiency. Her laboratory performs NGS-based testing for solid tumors and hematologic cancers, and she has spent years refining what it means to do that work accurately and at scale. When the SOPHiA DDM™ Myeloid Solution v2 first launched, its comprehensive features drove her to deeper evaluation.

A simpler workflow, faster results

For genomic research labs, time is everything. One of the most compelling aspects of the new SOPHiA DDM™ Myeloid Solution is its single-library preparation approach, which leverages DNA-only samples to detect a broad spectrum of alterations, from simple variants to complex structural aberrations. As Dr. Mohapatra puts it:

 Where her current two library workflow runs to ten working days using both DNA and RNA, she anticipates the new application could bring that down to six or seven days, a meaningful acceleration in time-to-insights.

Broad coverage that fuels discovery

Comprehensive gene coverage was another key factor. The application’s representation of entire coding regions across all target genes creates room for discovery that goes well beyond routine variant detection.

The application's approach to copy number variation (CNV) detection adds another layer of value. CNVs are notoriously difficult to resolve when only coding regions are represented, but the panel's broader genomic coverage that extends beyond these regions significantly improves both sensitivity and analytical confidence, giving researchers a clearer, more complete picture.

Designed for real-world research settings

Adopting a new application is never just a scientific decision, it's often an operational one. Skilled laboratory personnel are, as Dr. Mohapatra puts it, "the most expensive resource." Streamlining to a single, DNA-based workflow reduces training burden and lowers the barrier to broader adoption, something she sees as a wider trend. As more labs look to simplify without sacrificing coverage, DNA-based methods for myeloid profiling are, in her view, likely to gain significant traction.

That same pragmatic thinking shaped her path to full validation. Following a successful initial evaluation, the decision to proceed was driven by two things working in concert: the solidity of the results, and the quality of the collaboration. Throughout the process, the SOPHiA GENETICS team proved to be genuine partners, always responsive, receptive, and willing to act on feedback.

Ready to explore what the SOPHiA DDM™ Myeloid Solution v2 can do for your lab? Connect with our team to discover how a comprehensive, DNA-based approach can scale with your research needs, without adding operational complexity.

The opinions expressed are those of the speaker and may not represent the opinions of SOPHiA GENETICS. Any use of SOPHiA GENETICS products described may not have been cleared or approved by Regulatory Authorities. SOPHiA DDM™ Solutions are For Research Use Only unless otherwise specified.