TUSTIN, Calif., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncotech announced today the latest addition to their expanding genomic testing services. The new genomic test measures Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) by a DNA based technology referred to as Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH). The purpose of the test is to identify Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients who are most likely to respond to new targeted therapies. FISH assay can detect amplification (high gene copy number) of EGFR in NSCLC tumors. Recent clinical studies show an association between high EGFR gene copy number and favorable clinical benefit for advanced NSCLC patients who are treated with new targeted therapies such as Iressa(R) (gefitinib) or Tarceva(R) (erlotinib).
"EGFR analysis by FISH technology is an important new test that will provide physicians and lung cancer patients with crucial information that will allow them to make more informed treatment decisions based on each patient's individual characteristics," said Weidong Huang, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of Oncotech. "With the increasing number of targeted cancer therapies in development, it becomes even more important to be able to identify the most appropriate candidates for these targeted drugs, and this assay is a step in the right direction."
The EGFR by FISH test is designed to assist physicians in identifying NSCLC patients most likely to respond to EGFR kinase inhibitor targeted cancer therapies. Information provided by the test can help physicians determine the likelihood of clinical benefit prior to the initiation of treatment. Knowing whether a NSCLC patient is likely to benefit from a specific targeted therapy at the onset of treatment is extremely beneficial for the physicians and the patients.
About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women according to the American Cancer Society. In 2005, there will be an estimated 172,570 new lung cancer cases in the United States, of which about 163,510 will die from this deadly disease. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancers in the United States.
About Oncotech
Oncotech is a company dedicated to improving the survival and quality of life of cancer patients through its molecular oncology testing services as well as through genomic research leading to the discovery and development of new diagnostic and pharmaceutical products. Oncotech provides innovative molecular oncology testing services to over one thousand hospitals throughout the United States and Europe to assist physicians in the care and management of their cancer patients. Oncotech is a market leader in the field of in vitro drug resistance and therapy selection testing. In addition, Oncotech works with major pharmaceutical companies throughout the world to assist them in the development of new targeted drugs. More information on the company is available at www.oncotech.com.
Oncotech
CONTACT: Frank Kiesner, President and Chief Executive Officer of OncotechInc., +1-800-576-6326