NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer. Today, 30 to 40% of patients with stage I NSCLC, despite having histologically negative lymph nodes after surgery, die of recurrent disease. Identifying those patients whose cancer is likely to recur would provide treating physicians with valuable information for making treatment decisions.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute successfully identified genes whose methylation is associated with tumor recurrence - independently of cancer stage, histologic characteristics of the tumor and demographic variables such as age, sex, race and smoking history. The results of the study, which was sponsored by OncoMethylome Sciences, were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in an article titled DNA Methylation Markers and Early Recurrence of Stage I Lung Cancer. Under the terms of an existing research collaboration agreement between OncoMethylome and JHU, OncoMethylome has an option to license the methylation marker assay.
"We are encouraged that this initial study opens the possibility for improving treatment of lung cancer patients," commented Herman Spolders, CEO of OncoMethylome. "In addition to this study, a review article summarizing new developments in the methylation field titled Epigenetics in Cancer was also published in the NEJM this week. It highlighted the clinical relevance of the GSTPi and MGMT methylation markers, which OncoMethylome is developing in its products for prostate cancer detection and the personalization of cancer treatment. We are happy about the momentum behind methylation in the research and clinical community."
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About OncoMethylome Sciences OncoMethylome Sciences (Euronext Brussels: ONCOB; Euronext Amsterdam: ONCOA) is a molecular diagnostics company developing gene methylation tests to assist physicians in effectively detecting and treating cancer. Specifically, the company's tests are designed to help the physician (i) accurately detect cancer in early stages of cancer development, (ii) predict a patient's response to drug therapy, and (iii) predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
OncoMethylome boasts a broad product development pipeline consisting of ten products and a solid partnering record. The company collaborates with leading international molecular oncology research centers, such as The Johns Hopkins University, and has a number of commercial and collaborative partnerships with Veridex LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, Schering-Plough Corp., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Abbott, Millipore Corporation's BioScience Division, and EXACT Sciences Corp. OncoMethylome's products are based on methylation technology invented by Johns Hopkins University (USA).
Established in January 2003, OncoMethylome has offices in Liege and Leuven (Belgium), in Durham, NC (USA), and in Amsterdam (the Netherlands).
For more information please contact: Lucija Turcinov Tel. +32-479-801-902 ir@oncomethylome.com or visit www.oncomethylome.com
