HTG Molecular Diagnostics is teaming up with Spain’s Instituto Valenciano de Oncología to develop a score that will predict breast cancer recurrence using the former’s cancer biomarker panel.
The pair will base the score on the differences in gene expression in patients with low risk and high risk of recurrence, they said in a statement. The research collaboration will be based on HTG’s EdgeSeq Oncology Biomarker Panel, which profiles tumor samples using next-generation sequencing.
“While other breast cancer recurrence risk scores are available on market, we believe this effort could result in a more cost-effective, decentralized laboratory solution that may allow patients to more quickly make informed decisions regarding their treatments,” said HTG CEO T.J. Johnson, in the statement. HTG’s EdgeSeq technology is “well-suited” for this project as it uses a single tissue section from previously assessed cancer cases, he said.
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In addition to its Oncology Biomarker Panel, HTG offers a range of other EdgeSeq products, including a lymphoma panel, miRNA whole transcriptome assay and an immuno-oncology assay.
Other players that offer testing for breast cancer recurrence risk include Myriad Genetics, which launched a prognostic test earlier this year. The multigene test assesses the risk of recurrence following surgery and identifies patients who can safely skip chemotherapy.
Meanwhile, bioMérieux scored Medicare coverage for its breast cancer recurrence test in 2014. It quantifies the risk of recurrence and helps single out patients who may benefit from long-term hormone therapy.