Extraction Solutions for Cancer Research & Diagnostics
Reliable nucleic acid extraction from FFPE tissues, liquid biopsy and microbiome samples used in cancer research, from manual workflows to fully automated high-throughput platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Manual to high-throughput automated extraction kits for liquid biopsy, FFPE tissue, blood, microbiome and other clinically-relevant samples.
- Maxwell® chemistries seamlessly scale from Maxwell® benchtop instruments, to 96-well plates on high-throughput platforms.
- Extraction kits deliver NGS-ready, qPCR-compatible nucleic acids with low inhibitor carryover and high reproducibility.
- IVD-labeled kits and instruments available via the Maxwell® CSC platform (subject to regional availability).
- Pre-built automation scripts for KingFisher® and support from Field Support Scientists for Hamilton, Tecan, Analytik Jena, Beckman and more.
What are the best extraction methods for liquid biopsy in cancer research?
Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) and miRNA in plasma or serum can signal cancer progression earlier than imaging, but only with extraction sensitive enough to recover low-abundance targets. Our Maxwell® ccfDNA and miRNA kits use automated magnetic particle purification to deliver consistent yields from as little as 0.2 ml plasma.
Featured Products
Automated purification of ccfDNA from 1-4ml of plasma in under 30 minutes. Process up to 48 samples at once with the Maxwell® Instruments.
Maxwell® RSC miRNA from Tissue or Plasma and Serum Kits
Purifies total RNA with enhanced miRNA enrichment from tissue, plasma or serum. Ideal for miRNA biomarker discovery in cancer research. Process up to 48 samples at once with the Maxwell® Instruments.
High-throughput 96-well plate format for ccfDNA purification. Compatible with KingFisher®, Hamilton, Tecan and other automated liquid handlers.
Working with plasma volumes outside the 1–4ml range, or need a different throughput?
Our ccfDNA kit portfolio includes options optimized for smaller or larger plasma input volumes. Explore the full kit comparison table below to find the right fit for your liquid biopsy workflow. →
What is the best way to extract both DNA and RNA from the same FFPE tissue?
When FFPE tissue sample is limited, every section counts. The Maxwell® XtractAll FFPE DNA/RNA Kit co-purifies DNA and RNA simultaneously from a single FFPE section, eluted together as total nucleic acid or separately into individual eluates. Eliminate the need for multiple extractions or sample splitting; extract more information without consuming more sample.
Featured Products
Maxwell® RSC XtractAll FFPE DNA/RNA Kit
Extract DNA and RNA, together or in separate RNA Kit eluates, from a single FFPE section. Process up to 48 samples at once with the Maxwell® Instruments.
Maxwell® CSC XtractAll FFPE DNA/RNA Kit
The same flexible four-workflow FFPE extraction approach manufactured for clinical and diagnostic lab use. This kit is available for In Vitro Diagnostic Use in certain countries.
Maxwell® HT XtractAll FFPE DNA/RNA Kit
Automation-ready for high-throughput labs, scale your XtractAll workflow to process 96+ FFPE samples per run. Compatible with KingFisher®, Hamilton, Tecan and other automated liquid handlers.
Looking for a DNA-only or RNA-only FFPE extraction kit?
What is the best way to extract genomic DNA from blood, tissue and other clinically-relevant samples?
Genomic DNA extraction across clinical and research workflows rarely involves just one sample type. We offer genomic DNA purification kits designed with that need for flexibility in mind. Extract high-quality DNA from whole blood, buffy coat, bone marrow, buccal swabs, cells, and tissues using just one kit, regardless of whether you are running manual or automated extractions.
Featured Products
Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit
A trusted, solution-based manual method for extracting high-quality genomic DNA from whole blood, buffy coat, tissue, cells, buccal swabs, and more.
Automate genomic DNA extraction from whole blood, buffy coat, bone marrow, tissue and buccal swabs in under 40 minutes. Process up to 48 samples at once with the Maxwell® Instruments.
Scale genomic DNA extraction to 96+ samples per run with built-in flexibility across sample types.
Working with a different sample type or throughput requirement?
The kit comparison table below covers our full genomic DNA extraction portfolio, filterable by sample type and analyte, to help you find the right fit for your lab. →
What is the best way to extract RNA from whole blood for cancer research?
Whole blood RNA is the primary analyte for hematologic malignancies and one of the most degradation-prone. We offer extraction solutions from manual prep to 96-well formats so your lab can match throughput to sample volume.
Featured Products
Fast, hazardous-reagent-free purification of total RNA from tissues, cells and blood with built-in DNase treatment to minimize DNA contamination.
Maxwell® RSC simplyRNA Blood Kit
Automated purification of high-quality, concentrated RNA from 2.5ml whole blood using the Maxwell® Instruments.
Maxwell® HT simplyRNA Kit, Custom
High-throughput, plate-based RNA purification from tissues, cultured cells and blood, compatible with all major liquid handling automation platforms.
Explore our full portfolio of RNA kits.
Our full kit comparison table below includes additional RNA extraction options, filterable by sample type and analyte, so you can find the right fit for your workflow. →
What extraction options exist for fecal microbiome DNA in cancer research workflows?
Gut microbiome profiling is increasingly linked to cancer treatment response and immunotherapy outcomes. The Maxwell® Fecal Microbiome DNA Kits automate the extraction of high-quality metagenomics DNA from stool, reducing manual processing steps and delivering consistent results for qPCR and NGS characterization.
Featured Products
Maxwell® RSC Fecal Microbiome DNA Kit
Automated DNA isolation from human and mammalian fecal samples. Process up to 48 samples at once with the Maxwell® Instruments.
Maxwell® HT Fecal Microbiome DNA Kit
High-throughput 96-well format for automated microbiome DNA extraction. Integrates with major liquid handler platforms.
Which cancer research extraction kit is right for your workflow?
Use the comparison tool below to filter by sample type and find the kit that matches your throughput, analyte, and automation requirements. Each kit is optimized to produce downstream-ready nucleic acids.
32 kits shown
| Kit | Sample Type | Analyte | Sample Throughput | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxwell® RSC simplyRNA Blood* | Blood | RNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Expression analysis, RT-qPCR or NGS from 2.5ml whole blood. On-instrument DNase I treatment. |
| Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit | Blood, Buffy Coat, Cells, Plasma, Serum, Tissue | DNA | Manual | Diverse research needs where sample type flexibility matters more than throughput. |
| Maxwell® HT Genomic DNA Kit | Blood, Buffy Coat, Cells, Tissue | DNA | High-Throughput | High-volume labs working with multiple sample types. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| SV 96 Total RNA Isolation System | Blood, Cells, Plasma, Serum, Tissue | RNA | Manual High-Throughput | Mid-throughput labs needing flexibility. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| Wizard® HMW DNA Extraction Kit | Blood, Cells, Tissue | DNA | Manual | High-molecular-weight DNA for long-read sequencing (PacBio, Oxford Nanopore) and structural variant analysis. |
| Maxwell® HT simplyRNA Kit, Custom Kit** | Blood, Cells, Tissue | RNA | High-Throughput | Large-cohort studies. Scale to 96+ samples. Custom configuration. |
| SV Total RNA Isolation System | Blood, Cells, Tissue | RNA | Manual | Low-throughput labs where instrumentation is not available. |
| ReliaPrep™ Blood gDNA Miniprep System | Blood, Fecal, Urine | DNA | Manual | Low-throughput labs without dedicated extraction instrumentation. Spin-column extraction. |
| Wizard® SV 96 Genomic DNA Purification System | Cells, Tissue | DNA | Manual High-Throughput | Mid-throughput labs without a dedicated extraction instrument. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| Wizard® SV Genomic DNA Purification System | Cells, Tissue | DNA | Manual | Occasional use without instrumentation. |
| ReliaPrep™ RNA Miniprep System | Cells, Tissue | RNA | Manual | Small-scale research needing protocol flexibility. Spin-column extraction. |
| Maxwell® RSC XtractAll FFPE DNA/RNA Kit* | FFPE | DNA; RNA; TNA; Sequential DNA and RNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Archival tissue where sample is limited. Everything from one FFPE section in a single cartridge prep. |
| Maxwell® HT XtractAll FFPE DNA/RNA Kit | FFPE | DNA; RNA; TNA; Sequential DNA and RNA | High-Throughput | High-volume labs running sequencing or mutation profiling. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| Maxwell® RSC RNA FFPE Kit* | FFPE | RNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | When high-quality RNA is the only extraction goal. No solvents, automated. |
| Maxwell® RSC DNA FFPE Kit* | FFPE | DNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Targeted sequencing and qPCR when same-day results are needed. Solvent-free, automated with minimal inhibition. |
| Maxwell® RSC FFPE Plus DNA Kit | FFPE | DNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Targeted sequencing, qPCR and NGS with simple, overnight sample prep. Delivers high-yield extraction the next morning. |
| Maxwell® HT DNA FFPE Isolation System | FFPE | DNA | High-Throughput | High-volume pathology and biobank workflows. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| ReliaPrep™ FFPE gDNA Miniprep System | FFPE | DNA | Manual | Low-throughput labs with limited samples. Spin-column extraction from tissue sections (≤100µm). |
| ReliaPrep™ FFPE Total RNA Miniprep System | FFPE | RNA | Manual | Low-throughput labs needing protocol flexibility. Spin-column total RNA extraction from 5–50µm sections. |
| Maxwell® RSC Rapid ccfDNA Kit* | Plasma | ccfDNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Fast, high-purity from 1–4ml samples. No preprocessing and ready for qPCR, dPCR, or NGS in <30 min. |
| Maxwell® HT Rapid ccfDNA Kit | Plasma | ccfDNA | High-Throughput | Oncology core labs and NIPT studies with capacity for up to 10ml. Ready in <2 hours. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| Maxwell® RSC ccfDNA Plasma Kit | Plasma | ccfDNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Labs with limited sample volume. High-yield from up to 1ml, no preprocessing and ready for qPCR or NGS. |
| Maxwell® RSC ccfDNA LV Plasma Kit | Plasma | ccfDNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Rare-event detection, ddPCR and early cancer applications from large-volume samples (2–8ml+). |
| Maxwell® HT ccfDNA Kit | Plasma, Serum | ccfDNA | High-Throughput | Large-volume samples. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| Maxwell® RSC miRNA Plasma and Serum Kit | Plasma, Serum, Exosomes | miRNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Circulating miRNA biomarker research in oncology and immunology. Extract from 100–500µl plasma/serum or 50–200µl exosomes. |
| Maxwell® HT miRNA Plasma and Serum, Custom Kit** | Plasma, Serum, Exosomes | miRNA | High-Throughput | Large-cohort circulating miRNA biomarker studies. Scale to 96+ samples. Custom configuration. |
| ReliaPrep™ Large Volume HT gDNA System | Saliva/Buccal, Blood, Buffy Coat | DNA | High-Throughput | Population genomics and biobanks. High-yield from 1–10ml biofluids. Scale to 96+ samples. |
| ReliaPrep™ gDNA Tissue Miniprep System | Saliva/Buccal, Tissue | DNA | Manual | Low-throughput labs needing flexibility for PCR, sequencing or genotyping. Spin-column extraction from tissue or buccal swabs. |
| Maxwell® RSC Genomic DNA Kit* | Saliva/Buccal, Tissue, Blood, Bone Marrow, Buffy Coat, Cells | DNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Labs processing diverse sample types for cancer research and NGS. Universal ~40 minute automated protocols. |
| Maxwell® RSC miRNA Tissue Kit | Tissue | miRNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | miRNA profiling in oncology and biomarker research. Automated for samples ≤20mg. |
| Maxwell® RSC simplyRNA Tissue | Tissue | RNA | Maxwell® Kits (1–48 samples) | Expression analysis, RT-qPCR or NGS from fresh or frozen tissue (≤20mg). No beta-mercaptoethanol. On-instrument DNase I treatment. |
| ReliaPrep™ miRNA Cell and Tissue Miniprep System | Tissue, Cells | miRNA | Manual | Low-throughput labs or when customizing input amounts and wash steps. Spin-column extraction. |
* An IVD-labeled version of this kit for use with the Maxwell® CSC or Maxwell® CSC 48 instruments is available in select regions. For regional availability, please visit the product page or contact your local Promega representative.
** This reagent kit is a custom configuration and can be adjusted to meet your workflow requirements. Please contact Promega to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer validated extraction kits for the most common sample types encountered in cancer research and diagnostic workflows, spanning the full range of workflow formats.
| Category | Sample Types |
|---|---|
| Liquid Biopsy | Plasma, Serum (ccfDNA and miRNA) |
| Blood-Based | Whole blood, Buffy coat, Bone marrow |
| Tissue | FFPE tissue, Fresh/frozen tissue |
| Other | Buccal swabs, Cells, Fecal samples (microbiome applications) |
Kits are available for manual benchtop extraction, automated Maxwell® Instrument runs, and high-throughput 96- well plate formats.
Explore our Nucleic Acid Extraction page or contact techserv@promega.com for specialized workflows.
The Maxwell® RSC Rapid ccfDNA Kit (Cat.# AS1590) delivers purified ccfDNA directly from plasma with no pretreatment step and minimal hands-on time. This is the fastest automated ccfDNA extraction available, with results ready in under 30 minutes.
At a Glance
- 1–4 ml plasma sample input
- <30 minutes time to results
- Minimal hands-on steps
Key Features
- No pretreatment required; plasma loads directly
- Low elution volume (50μl) for concentrated ccfDNA, ready for dPCR and NGS
- Automated binding, washing and elution on the Maxwell® Instrument
- CE-IVD equivalent version available on the Maxwell® CSC platform (Cat.# AS6000, AS8000), subject to regional availability
Learn more: Benchtop Automated DNA/RNA Extraction with the Maxwell System
Conventional ccfDNA extraction is manual, column-based, and typically takes 2–3+ hours from start to purified ccfDNA. The Maxwell® RSC Rapid ccfDNA Kit takes a fundamentally different approach: no preprocessing, no harsh chemicals, and results in under 30 minutes.
Side-by-side Comparison
| Feature | Conventional Manual Methods | Maxwell® RSC Rapid ccfDNA Kit | Automated ccfDNA Kit (Competitor Q) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample pretreatment | Required. Adds time and steps. | None. Plasma loads directly. | Minimal (dilution needed for some volumes) |
| Time to results | 2–3+ hours | Under 30 minutes | 35–80 minutes |
| Hands-on steps | Many | Minimal | Some |
| Sample-to-sample consistency | Variable (operator-dependent) | Automated and standardized | Automated and standardized |
| gDNA contamination | Variable | Exceptionally low | Low |
| Scalability | Limited | Seamless with Maxwell® platform | Limited |
For labs performing in vitro diagnostic workflows, a CE-IVD equivalent version is available on the Maxwell® CSC platform (Cat.# AS6000, AS8000), subject to regional availability.
Learn more: Benchtop Automated DNA/RNA Extraction with the Maxwell System
The right choice depends on what your downstream assay requires and how your lab workflow is structured.
Decision Guide
| Your Goal | Best Used For | Recommended Kit | Practical Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA only | NGS mutation profiling, MSI testing, Sanger sequencing | Maxwell® RSC FFPE Plus DNA Kit (AS1720) For small batches: ReliaPrep™ FFPE gDNA Miniprep System (A2351, A2352) |
"Set it and forget it" overnight lysis (can prep samples at end-of-day, load onto Maxwell® Instrument the next morning) |
| RNA only | RNA-Seq, gene expression profiling, RT-qPCR | Maxwell® RSC RNA FFPE Kit (AS1440) For small batches: ReliaPrep™ FFPE Total RNA Miniprep System (Z1001, Z1002) |
Workflow optimized to protect RNA integrity throughout extraction |
| DNA/RNA | Integrating mutation profiling with gene expression; limited tissue availability | Maxwell® RSC XtractAll FFPE DNA/RNA Kit (AS1570) | Co-purifies both analytes from a single FFPE input; conserves precious sample |
Not sure which approach fits your workflow?
Use the Find the Right Kit comparison table above to filter by sample type and analyte.
Yes. The Maxwell® RSC Genomic DNA Kit (Cat.# AS1880) extracts high-quality genomic DNA from diverse sample types simultaneously in a single instrument run.
Compatible Sample Types In A Single Run
- Whole Blood
- Buffy Coat
- Bone Marrow
- Buccal Swabs
- Cells
- Tissues
Compatible Sample Types In A Single Run
- Each sample type undergoes a sample-specific lysis step, then all samples can be processed together using a single unified Maxwell® Instrument method.
- All reagents and consumables included. There are no separate kits, no extra products, and no hidden costs.
- Purified DNA is ready for direct use in NGS, qPCR, and digital PCR.
- CE-IVD equivalent version available on the Maxwell® CSC platform (Cat.# AS6000, AS8000), subject to regional availability.
Need Higher Throughput?
The same proven chemistry scales to 96-well plate format with the Maxwell® HT Genomic DNA Kit (Cat.# A6050) on automated liquid handler platforms. Explore high-throughput options
The same core purification chemistry that runs on benchtop Maxwell® instruments is available in high-throughput formats that integrate directly with major plate-based platforms.
Scale At A Glance
| Scale | Platform | Format | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benchtop | Maxwell® RSC/CSC Instruments | Cartridge-based extraction. 1–16 or 1–48 samples per run. | Research and IVD diagnostic workflows |
| High-Throughput | Hamilton, Tecan, KingFisher®, Beckman | 96-well plate format | Clinical and core lab scale; existing protocols available for a broad range of sample types and platforms |
Labs that have evaluated Maxwell® chemistry at the benchtop can scale to high-throughput workflows with only minimal bridging validation testing needed. This is a meaningful advantage over revalidating extraction chemistry from scratch, saving considerable time and cost.
Implementation Support
For labs with custom throughput needs, our Field Support Scientists provide hands-on consultation and on-site implementation support.
Visit our High-Throughput Automated DNA and RNA Extraction page to explore Maxwell® HT kit options.
Visit our Automated Liquid Handler Assay Automation and Support page to request a consultation.
Our extraction kits are validated to support a range of sensitive downstream applications, including qPCR and RTqPCR, digital PCR, NGS library preparation, MSI testing, and gene expression profiling. Maxwell® magnetic particlebased purification minimizes inhibitor carryover, particularly important for digital PCR and NGS.
How you assess quality and yield matters as much as the downstream assay.
Downstream Applications
| Sample Type | Recommended QC Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh whole blood, cultured cells | Spectrophotometric absorbance (A260/A280, A260/A230), fluorescent dye-based quantitation | Straightforward and reliable for high-input samples |
| FFPE tissue | Fluorescent dye-based quantitation, gel electrophoresis, or fragment analyzer | Absorbance alone is insufficient and can be misleading for degraded or low-yield samples |
| Any sample / NGS prep | Variable depending on stage in workflow. Fluorometric quantitation for input DNA, qPCR targeting adapter sequences for final library quantitation before loading, and electrophoretic methods for size distribution QC. Amplification-based assays (e.g., ProNex® DNA QC Assay) also often used for quantitation and size distribution evaluation. | Fluorometric quantitation is the standard minimum. Amplification (qPCR) is the gold standard for final library QC before sequencer loading. ddPCR is emerging but not yet widely required by kit protocols. |
Questions About Your Application?
Compatibility with specific downstream assays and workflows will depend on your sample type, application requirements and experimental conditions.
Yes. The Maxwell® CSC Instrument (Cat.# AS6000) and Maxwell® CSC 48 Instrument (Cat.# AS8000) are IVDlabeled automated extraction platforms manufactured under cGMP conditions, compliant with EU Regulation 2017/746 (EU-IVDR), US IVD regulations, and AU TGA regulations.
Instrument Comparison
| Feature | Maxwell® CSC (AS6000) | Maxwell® CSC 48 (AS8000) |
|---|---|---|
| Samples per run | 1–16 | 1–48 |
| IVD compliance | EU-IVDR, US IVD regulations, AU TGA regulations | EU-IVDR, US IVD regulations, AU TGA regulations |
| Manufacturing | cGMP conditions | cGMP conditions |
| Software modes | IVD and research use | IVD and research use |
IVD-Labeled Kit Coverage
- Plasma (ccfDNA for liquid biopsy)
- FFPE tissue (DNA, RNA, or total nucleic acids)
- Whole blood (genomic DNA or RNA)
- Additional clinically-relevant sample types for genomic DNA, microbes and viruses
Support For Diagnostic Developers
For labs and diagnostic developers building IVD workflows on the Maxwell® CSC platform, we provide technical documentation and support for partner-led validation, controlled change management to protect regulatory filings, and standardized protocols deployable across our global Maxwell® install base. Product availability varies by region.
Learn more: Benchtop Automated DNA/RNA Extraction from Diverse Sample Types
Maxwell® Instruments are compact benchtop automated nucleic acid extraction platforms. They use cartridgebased paramagnetic particle chemistry to automate the binding, washing, and elution steps of nucleic acid purification, delivering consistently high-quality nucleic acids with minimal hands-on effort and reduced risk of crosscontamination or user variability.
Maxwell® Reagent Kits are the sample-type- and analyte-specific consumable kits designed to work with Maxwell® Instruments. Each kit contains pre-loaded reagent cartridges and all reagents and consumables needed for extraction, optimized and validated for specific sample types and analytes.
How They Work Together
- Step 1: Prepare the sample and load into the Maxwell® cartridge
- Step 2: Place samples into the Maxwell® Instrument, start the run
- Step 3: Collect purified nucleic acids, ready for downstream use
Related Resources
Explore Throughputs
Browse our portfolio of nucleic acid extraction kits from manual to benchtop to high-throughput automated workflows.
Clinical Diagnostics
Learn how Promega extraction solutions support clinical IVD applications.
Webinars
Access on-demand webinars covering nucleic acid extraction techniques, applications, and best practices.
Application Notes
Explore our library of application notes with technical data across a wide range of sample types and downstream applications.
Need help choosing the right kit?
Our Technical Services Scientists can help you select, implement and optimize the right extraction workflow for your lab.