RUTHERFORD, N.J., May 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CGIX) (“CGI” or “The Company”), an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics, announced today that it has entered into a series of collaborative studies with leading researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. The studies, led by Moffitt researchers Heather Jim, PhD, Diane Portman, MD, Howard McLeod, PharmD, and Gillian Bell, PharmD will examine a number of genetic variants as predictors for the most common side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a significant clinical challenge experienced by over 50% of patients receiving chemotherapy, even when general-purpose prophylactic anti-emetic therapies are prescribed according to clinical guidelines. The first of these collaborative studies will seek to validate and improve existing risk prediction indices of acute and delayed CINV in patients undergoing chemotherapy. This prospective study will determine whether the inclusion of variations in genes involved in the metabolism of anti-emetic drugs improves the ability to accurately predict which patients are more likely to experience side effects from chemotherapy regimens. Tailored anti-emetic treatment in patients at risk of CINV has the potential to significantly reduce incidence, while decreasing CINV-related medical visit costs, which average $4,0001 per patient.
A second collaboration will examine the role of individual genetic variants in the effectiveness of pain control in cancer. Pain is one of the most difficult symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. Opioid and non-opioid analgesics and co-analgesics are frequently used to improve pain control, but patients vary considerably in their response to these drugs. This study will include Moffitt cancer patients treated in the outpatient setting and will seek to identify genetic associations for patient-reported pain outcomes.
“The empirical evidence needed to guide treatment decisions in the management of cancer is incomplete since we cannot precisely predict individual responsiveness to therapies. Our studies, in collaboration with Cancer Genetics are designed to examine the influence of genetic and phenotypic variants on personalized responsiveness to chemotherapeutic agents and analgesics,” says Howard McLeod, PharmD, Medical Director of the DeBartolo Family Personalized Medicine Institute at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Through these studies, genetic biomarkers found to have clinical significance in predicting CINV and effectiveness of pain control in patients will be integrated into the company’s comprehensive pharmacogenomics panels. These panels will allow clinical trials investigators and oncologists to better tailor treatments to reduce CINV-related side effects. Cancer Genetics plans on launching a comprehensive next-generation sequencing based panel focused on pharmacogenomics later this year.
“There continues to be a significant unmet medical need for improving the personalized management of patients that suffer from side-effects of chemotherapy,” said Scott Clark, VP of Global Scientific Operations of Cancer Genetics, Inc. “Our collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center, is designed to develop new genomics insights and tools that can manage the many side-effects associated with chemotherapy by tailoring the treatment regimen to individual patient response.” ?
Results from the CGI’s partnerships with leading cancer research organizations help guide the development of treatment options and provide critical information to improve clinical cancer treatment. Through its partnerships and continued efforts on its discovery research, CGI remains committed to its mission of empowering personalized cancer treatment.
For more information, please visit www.cancergenetics.com.
About Cancer Genetics
Cancer Genetics Inc. is an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics. Our tests target difficult to diagnose hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. They are designed to guide the prognosis and treatment of these cancers with the goal of improving outcomes for patients. We have established strong clinical research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute.
We also offer a comprehensive range of non-proprietary oncology-focused tests and laboratory services that provide critical genomic information to healthcare professionals and biopharmaceutical companies. Our state-of-the-art reference labs are CLIA certified and CAP accredited in the US and have licensure from several states including New York State.
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About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Moffitt is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers , a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt is the top-ranked cancer hospital in the Southeast and has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Hospitals” for cancer care since 1999. With more than 4,500 employees, Moffitt has an economic impact in Florida of nearly $1.6 billion. For more information, visit MOFFITT.org , and follow the Moffitt momentum on Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .
Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future developments in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for Cancer Genetics, Inc. tests and services, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, risks of cancellation of customer contracts or discontinuance of trials, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights and other risks discussed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 along with other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Cancer Genetics disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
1 Thomas, A. Burke, Tami Wisniewski, Frank R. Ernst (2010) Resource utilization and costs associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) following highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy administered in US outpatient hospital setting. Support Care Cancer, 19, 131-140
CONTACT: Media Relations Marie Michellod Cancer Genetics, Inc. 201-776-1983 Media@cgix.com Investor Relations Hans Vitzthum LifeSci Advisors, LLC. 212-915-2568 hans@lifesciadvisors.com
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