NEW YORK and MADISON, N.J., June 1,
2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center, the world's oldest and largest private cancer center, and
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of
diagnostic information services, today announced a joint
collaboration that will utilize MSK's clinical and research
insights into gene mutations associated with solid tumors. The goal
is to use molecular laboratory testing to improve physicians'
ability to treat patients with breast, prostate, colon, lung, and a
variety of other solid tumor cancers by giving them a better
understanding of the genomic underpinnings of their patients'
illnesses.
In recent years, research has demonstrated that certain gene
mutations influence the efficacy of cancer drug therapies, and that
a therapy that is effective for one type of cancer may be effective
for other types that share the same gene mutations. MSK has amassed
extensive databases of gene mutations linked to various types of
cancer and developed pharmaceutical treatments based on scientific
literature, treatment of patients by the institution's
multidisciplinary teams, and clinical trials conducted by MSK
researchers and scientists.
In the first phase of the collaboration, MSK will provide
contextual information about individual mutations identified as
part of Quest's OncoVantage™, an independently validated,
lab-developed test that launches today to enable molecular
characterization of solid tumors. Beginning this summer, physicians
who order OncoVantage will benefit from the MSK data through a
co-branded clinical annotation report designed to aid the
assessment of a patient's prognosis, as well as to guide treatment
selection and to monitor disease progression.
Over time, the two organizations intend to further study and
extend the mutation data sets to potentially generate improved
diagnostics, in addition to research and clinical trials.
"This relationship will empower clinicians to improve their
patients' health by identifying the best therapies for patients
today and by identifying specific patients who may benefit from
participation in clinical trials. The needs of tomorrow's patients
will be addressed by the deeper knowledge base we are building and
its potential to drive the basic science needed to discover new
therapies," said Craig B. Thompson,
MD, MSK's President and CEO. "This collaboration with Quest speaks
to our mission and extends our ability to improve the quality of
care for patients everywhere."
"We are excited to offer oncologists and patients everywhere
unprecedented access to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's
exceptional knowledge of the role of gene mutations in solid tumors
and the therapies most effective in treating them," said
Steve H. Rusckowski, President and
CEO of Quest Diagnostics. "By combining our broad market reach,
which covers half the practicing physicians and hospitals in
the United States, with MSK's deep
experience in cancer care and molecular science, we hope to
illuminate the best possible cancer treatment options for patients
across the country."
Extending Molecular Laboratory Testing of Solid Tumors across
the United States
Quest's OncoVantage test is performed on tumor biopsies and uses
next-generation sequencing technology to assess the most commonly
mutated exons in 34 genes. The sequencing data, in de-identified
form, will be shared with MSK, which will leverage its databases to
correlate specific gene mutations to potential therapies and
disease progression applicable to that cancer type.
The second phase of the collaboration between Quest and MSK will
involve development of a more far-reaching test by Quest involving
potentially hundreds of genes. The expanded test is expected to
launch by the spring of 2015.
MSK has amassed extensive experience in this area over the past
decade and has recently developed a pioneering test — called
MSK-IMPACT™, or Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer
Targets — that can reliably and accurately screen for mutations in
more than 340 genes. Tumors from MSK patients studied thus far have
had on average between two and 10 potentially actionable
mutations.
In addition, MSK's clinical annotation process will be enhanced
by de-identified gene data from Quest's OncoVantage test.
The data will be used to extend the range of information used to
assess the clinical significance of gene alterations and potential
correlations with therapeutic response. This real-time data
exchange will enable rapid translation of discoveries into
clinically actionable information for managing cancer patients. The
two organizations also intend to jointly study, evaluate, and
augment the size and scope of the mutation data sets, which have
the potential to become more important in scientific research and
publication.
"Quest has demonstrated a commitment to evidence-based use of
next-generation sequencing data in cancer," added Jose Baselga MD, MSK's Physician-in-Chief. "This
commitment to advancing molecular diagnostics in both a clinical
and research context is central to our selection of Quest as a
partner."
"MSK is widely recognized for its groundbreaking contributions
to cancer care, treatment, and research," said Jon R. Cohen, MD, Senior Vice President and
Chief Medical Officer of Quest Diagnostics. "This collaboration is
important because it is a way to extend this tremendous cancer
expertise, in the form of Quest's OncoVantage, beyond patients
treated at MSK's center, but potentially to any patient, anywhere
in the United States, for whom
solid-tumor molecular profiling could illuminate efficacious
treatment."
Quest Diagnostics has developed several next-generation
sequencing lab-developed tests that it offers nationally in areas
ranging from HIV to BRCA (Breast/Ovarian) and Lynch syndrome
inherited cancers.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
About Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
We
are the world's oldest and largest private cancer center, home to
more than 12,000 physicians, scientists, nurses, and staff united
by a relentless dedication to conquering cancer. As an independent
institution, we combine 130 years of research and clinical
leadership with the freedom to provide highly individualized,
exceptional care to each patient. And our always-evolving
educational programs continue to train new leaders in the field,
here and around the world. For more information, go to
www.mskcc.org.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics
is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services
that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions.
The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic information
services through its network of laboratories and patient service
centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its
extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is
a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced
healthcare information technology solutions that help improve
patient care. Additional information is available at
QuestDiagnostics.com. Follow us at
Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX.
Contacts:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center
Courtney
DeNicola Nowak: denicolc@mskcc.org or 212-639-3573
Quest Diagnostics
Jayme Maniatis, MSLGROUP (Media):
781-684-0770
Wendy Bost, Quest Diagnostics
(Media): 973-520-2800
Dan Haemmerle, Quest Diagnostics
(Investors): 973-520-2900
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