Quest Diagnostics Introduces Molecular Blood Test for Aiding Colorectal Cancer Detection
January 11 2010 - 10:15AM
PR Newswire (US)
MADISON, N.J., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new blood test
that identifies changes in DNA associated with colorectal cancer is
now available in the U.S. through Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
(NYSE:DGX), the world's leading cancer diagnostics company. The
test is designed to aid the detection of colorectal cancer, the
third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The new test is based
on DNA methylation of the Septin9 gene, a proprietary biomarker
associated with colorectal cancer that was identified by
Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: ECX), a cancer molecular
diagnostics company. Quest Diagnostics is the first commercial
laboratory in the U.S. to offer a laboratory-developed test based
on the Septin9 biomarker. "Early detection rates are dismally low,
largely because many patients find existing tests and procedures
invasive or unpleasant," said Jon R. Cohen, M.D. senior vice
president and chief medical officer, Quest Diagnostics. "Our
ColoVantage(TM) test, which is based on Septin9, has yet to be
clinically validated as a screening test. Rather, it may promote
further evaluation in patients who have resisted testing in the
past or as an adjunct to existing procedures." Colorectal cancer
treated in localized, early stages has a five-year survival rate of
90 percent. Yet, only 40 percent of cases are diagnosed in early
stages, due to low screening rates. Epigenomics has demonstrated in
more than a half dozen peer-reviewed studies involving
approximately 3,000 specimens of patients with diagnosed colorectal
cancer and of healthy control subjects that methylated Septin9 in
blood plasma indicates an increased likelihood of colorectal
cancer. Epigenomics is sponsoring a multi-center clinical study
named PRESEPT in collaboration with Quest Diagnostics and other
organizations to evaluate the Septin9 biomarker's performance for
colorectal cancer screening in screening-guideline-eligible
individuals who have not been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Epigenomics expects to conclude the PRESEPT trial early this year
with the release of preliminary data, and publish the detailed
findings later in 2010. Quest Diagnostics is a leader in colorectal
cancer diagnostics. The company's InSure(R) fecal immunochemical
test (FIT) is an FDA-cleared fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for use
in screening for sources of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, based
on laboratory testing of a stool-based specimen. The company also
offers mutation testing to help predict if a patient with
metastatic colorectal cancer will respond to certain therapies and
genetic testing to aid in evaluating a patient's inherited
predisposition to colorectal cancer. In addition, the company
provides anatomic pathology testing services for colorectal cancer,
such as biopsy testing of tissues identified through colonoscopy.
About Colorectal Cancer Testing and Procedures Colorectal cancer,
which refers to cancer of the colon and rectum, is a major source
of cancer death in the U.S. and worldwide. An estimated 106,000 new
cases were diagnosed and 50,000 deaths from the disease occurred in
the U.S. in 2009. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS),
beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for
developing colorectal cancer should be screened by one of several
established tests. People with certain risk factors, such as a
family history, may be indicated for earlier or more frequent
testing. Such methods include colonoscopy, the screening gold
standard, once every ten years, as well as flexible sigmoidoscopy,
virtual colonoscopy and double-contrast barium enema every five
years or FOBTs, including FITs, annually. Any positive test result
of any non-colonoscopy methods should be followed up by
colonoscopy. About Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics is the
world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and
services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare
decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing 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 company information is available at
http://www.questdiagnostics.com/. Contacts: Wendy Bost (Media):
973-520-2800 Kathleen Valentine (Investors): 973-520-2900
DATASOURCE: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated CONTACT: Wendy Bost
(Media), +1-973-520-2800, or Kathleen Valentine (Investors),
+1-973-520-2900 Web Site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/
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