Study published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics
REHOVOT, Israel & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ:ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces that a peer-reviewed article entitled “Accurate Molecular Classification of Renal Tumors Using MicroRNA Expression” has been published in the online version of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. The study demonstrates the ability of microRNAs to accurately identify four histological types of renal tumors, namely clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, as well as oncocytoma, a benign tumor. The study is available online at: http://jmd.amjpathol.org/cgi/content/abstract/jmoldx.2010.090187v1
The current classification of renal cell carcinoma includes four main types: conventional (clear cell), papillary, chromophobe, and collecting duct carcinoma, as well as unclassified renal cell carcinoma. Oncocytoma, papillary adenoma, mesonephric adenoma and angiomyolipoma are the main benign tumors in the kidney.
The publication describes a study of microRNA expression profiles in more than 120 renal tumor samples. Six microRNA biomarkers that are specifically expressed in the four most common histological types of renal tumors were identified, and were used to design an algorithm to classify these tumors. This classifier had 93% accuracy in diagnosing an independent test set of renal tumors.
The different histological subtypes of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) vary in their clinical course and their prognosis. Patients with Clear-Cell RCC have a poorer prognosis, and differences may also exist between the prognosis of patients with papillary and chromophobe RCC (Non-Clear Cell).
Initial studies show differences in responses of RCC subtypes to targeted therapies, and future therapies may be individualized for each type. The accurate identification of these subtypes may play an important role in patient management and in the selection of patients for clinical trials of RCC drugs in development.
“Treatment options for RCC have increased significantly over the past decade, with targeted therapies playing an important role in this transformation. As with other types of cancers, the medical community is realizing the importance of accurate cancer subclassification for treatment choice and response for RCC,” noted Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics. “Efforts are being made to understand which patients may benefit from particular therapies and to design targeted therapies to specific cancer subtypes. As demonstrated in this recent publication, microRNAs are powerful biomarkers that can accurately differentiate subtypes of RCC and have the potential to be used to for helping to target therapies to the appropriate RCC subtype.”
About microRNAs
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, small RNAs that act as master regulators of protein synthesis, and have been shown to be highly effective biomarkers. The unique advantage of microRNAs as biomarkers lies in their high tissue specificity, and their exceptional stability in the most routine preservation methods for biopsies, including Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block tissue and fine needle aspirate (FNA) cell blocks. It has been suggested that their small size (19 to 21 nucleotides) enables them to remain intact in FFPE blocks, as opposed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which tends to degrade rapidly. In addition, early preclinical data has shown that by controlling the levels of specific microRNAs, cancer cell growth may be reduced. To learn more about microRNAs, please visit www.rosettagenomics.com.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics is a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, the company’s integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong patent position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools. The company’s first three microRNA-based tests, miRview™ squamous, miRview™ mets and miRview™ meso, are commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. Rosetta Genomics is the 2008 winner of the Wall Street Journal’s Technology Innovation Awards in the medical/biotech category. To learn more, please visit www.rosettagenomics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to the potential for microRNAs to be used to identify patients during drug development and for drug treatment, the role of microRNAs in human physiology and disease, and the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including risks related to: Rosetta’s approach to discover microRNA technology and to work on the application of this technology in the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic tools, which may never lead to commercially accepted products or services; Rosetta’s ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual property; Rosetta’s ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta’s need and ability to obtain additional funding to support its business activities; Rosetta’s dependence on third parties for development, manufacture, marketing, sales, and distribution of products; Rosetta’s ability to successfully develop its products and services; Rosetta’s ability to obtain regulatory clearances or approvals that may be required for its products and services; the ability to obtain coverage and adequate payment from health insurers for the products and services comprising Rosetta’s technology; competition from others using technology similar to Rosetta’s and others developing products for similar uses; Rosetta’s dependence on collaborators; and Rosetta’s short operating history; as well as those risks more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Rosetta’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosetta’s views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Rosetta does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.
CONTACT:
Company Contact:
Rosetta Genomics
Ron Kamienchick, 215-382-9000 x318
[email protected]
or
Investor Contacts:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Anne Marie Fields, 212-738-3777
[email protected]
or
Bruce Voss, 310-691-7100
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America Pennsylvania Middle East Israel
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Biotechnology Genetics Oncology Pharmaceutical Research Science
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