Partnership Formed for Genomics-Based Malignancy Test
The HemeScan genomics test will be sold and marketed through a collaborative partnership (pdf) completed by Clarient, Incorporated and CombiMatrix Corporation. The test was initially developed by researchers from CombiMatrix, who published a press release about the new partnership.
The HemeScan test is a comprehensive genomics-based test used to assess treatment planning and care for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as other blood and solid malignancies. The test assays all the genomic loci for copy number aberrations using fluorescence in situ hybridization. It further incorporated the global genome and recently identified genomic markers associated with malignancy.
In CLL patients, the test provides prognostic information at the time of diagnosis. This is particularly crucial for patients diagnosed with this disease, as some sub-types identified by risk factors have a more aggressive course and necessitate a distinct treatment approach. In addition, HemeScan can be used as a tool for ongoing diagnostic monitoring in that patient population.
The test was validated, following development at CombiMatrix, by researchers from a number of different academic medical centers, including the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Use of the test was validated in CLL, as well as myelodysplastic syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Tests are underway to verify utility for multiple myeloma.
Clarient is a cancer diagnostics service laboratory dedicated to the assessment and characterization of malignancies to further understanding and drug development. The addition of the HemeScan test will expand the company’s line of available products for blood malignancies.
February 8, 2008 Related topics: Laboratory, Partnerships & Consortia, Diagnostic, Hematology & Oncology