Multigene Expression Test Predicts Colon Cancer Recurrence

New studies support use of the test as an independent predictor of recurrence in Stage II colon cancer. The studies were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO), which took place from January 22-24, 2010.

The new model for assessing recurrence risk in patients diagnosed with stage II colon cancer is based on investigations conducted by the company that developed the test, Genomic Health (Redwood City, CA, USA), together with its clinical collaborators at the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP; Pittsburgh, PA, USA), the Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH, USA), and the QUASAR study group.

The studies used Genomic Health's quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to analyze RNA expression from 30 µm of manually microdissected fixed paraffin-embedded primary colon cancer tissue.

Steven Shak, M.D., chief medical officer, Genomic Health said "We believe the availability of the Oncotype DX colon cancer test will allow physicians, for the first time, to go beyond the limited set of clinical and pathologic markers they currently use in order to make a more precise risk assessment in the treatment planning for stage II colon cancer patients."

Genomic Health, Inc. is a life science company focused on the development and commercialization of genomic-based clinical laboratory services for cancer.

Related Links:
Genomic Health
National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project
Cleveland Clinic