San Jose, CA, May 21, 2010 – Chronix Biomedical today reported a summary of data supporting the utility of its serum DNA blood tests for the early and accurate detection of breast cancer and prostate cancer. The unique testing algorithms developed by Chronix detected and correctly identified DNA fragments in the blood from dying (apoptotic) cancer cells with 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity in both prostate cancer and breast cancer. If confirmed in larger studies, these results would significantly outperform those obtained from current diagnostics for these cancers. The new data, which were generated from 575 individuals, provide further evidence that Chronix’s proprietary serum DNA assays may represent a new diagnostic and prognostic platform that can identify cancer and other chronic diseases earlier and more accurately than is currently possible. The data will be presented in an oral session at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting on Monday, June 7 at 3:00 PM CT.*
“These early data suggest the Chronix assays have potential beyond the diagnostic tools available today in my specialty of breast cancer,” said Steven Narod, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., Director of the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit at Women’s College Research Institute, an affiliate of the University of Toronto. “If these encouraging data hold up in further testing, this approach to cancer diagnostics and prognostics has the potential to change how we diagnose, monitor and manage many cancers. I am pleased to be working with Chronix to further validate these promising findings.”
A growing body of peer-reviewed data shows that the Chronix DNA-based blood tests can detect cancer recurrence at the earliest stages, and they also can provide insight into patient-specific response to treatment. Previous published studies have demonstrated their potential utility in breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. In conjunction with the University of Calgary, Chronix is also developing commercial applications for veterinary use, including tests for the early detection of BSE, or mad cow disease.
“With these encouraging findings, we are launching a ‘For Investigational Use Only’ laboratory-based testing service that for the first time will enable cancer researchers to monitor the status of patients in their clinical trials with a high level of sensitivity and specificity,” said Howard Urnovitz, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Chronix. “This new service offers a unique opportunity to support clinical researchers while also expanding the database needed for regulatory approval for the use of our assays in ongoing patient care.”
Researchers are invited to visit the Chronix booth (#6052) at ASCO for further information and details.
*Abstract #10505, “Comparative analysis of the chromosomal origins of circulating nucleic acids in breast and prostate cancer,” 3:15 PM CT, June 7, 2010, Room S100a.
About Chronix Biomedical
Chronix Biomedical is pioneering a breakthrough approach to the diagnosis, monitoring and management of a broad range of cancers and other conditions. It has developed proprietary technology that measures and categorizes DNA sequences circulating in the serum that are associated with specific changes in disease and health status. Using advanced genome analysis methodology, proprietary data tools and disease-specific databases, Chronix has demonstrated the utility of its diagnostic and prognostic approach in a chronic neurologic disease, in breast and prostate cancer and in multiple myeloma. It currently is conducting studies in other cancers. The company plans to offer its serum DNA-based assays to clinical researchers as a “For Investigational Use Only” test in its research laboratories. Chronix is headquartered in San Jose, California and has research facilities in Germany. For more information, visit www.chronixbiomedical.com.
