Breast Cancer Diagnostic Test Launched
Availability of a new test for the detection of breast cancer was detailed by Panacea Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated in a press release from the organization. The test is designed to assess the presence of recurrence among women who had a complete response to treatment.
BC Detectsm is a serum-based diagnostic test completed with immunohistochemistry. The test quantitatively evaluates the presence of human aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (HAAH), a molecular marker of cancer. Studies indicate that serum containing HAAH proteins have both a high sensitivity and specificity for a variety of different cancers, including breast cancer.
96 percent of women with breast cancer participating in a clinical study had increased levels of HAAH, among a sample of 157 women. In 32 women without disease, HAAH was essentially undetected. The rate of specificity was 91 percent. Additional data indicates that HAAH is detected at all stages of breast cancer, though it does not appear to be positively correlated with disease stage. HAAH is then undetectable after complete remission.
This is the first serum-based biomarker available to detect either primary disease or recurrence of breast cancer. Imaging modalities, including mammogram, MRI, and ultrasound, are the primary methods for disease detection. Previous biomarkers considered for use as detection tools had low specificity and sensitivity.
The test is available from Panacea Laboratories, a division of Panacea Pharmaceuticals. The company suggests that BC Detectsm may be used as an alternative method to follow women in remission following treatment for breast cancer. Current best practice guidelines for the majority of patients call for follow-up with annual mammography.
Panacea Laboratories has a number of diagnostic tests available to assess the presence of cancers, including prostate and lung. An additional test, for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) determines if patients will respond to standard first-line treatment.
October 26, 2007 Related topics: Laboratory, Product Launches, Diagnostic