We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Study Results Validate Use of Tumor Markers to Treat Metastatic Cancer

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 17 Jun 2019
Print article
A new study validated the use of tumor markers to select chemotherapy drugs for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (Photo courtesy of SPL).
A new study validated the use of tumor markers to select chemotherapy drugs for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (Photo courtesy of SPL).
Promising results obtained in a recently conducted pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of using molecular tumor markers as the basis for selecting the chemotherapeutic agents to use in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Investigators at Georgetown University (Washington, DC, USA) and collaborators at several other institutions carried out a study designed to assess the feasibility of following a treatment algorithm based on the expression of three published predictive markers of response to chemotherapy: ribonucleotide reductase catalytic subunit M1 (for gemcitabine); excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (for platinum agents); and thymidylate synthase (for 5-fluorouracil) in patients with untreated, metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Initially, 30 patients were enrolled in the study. However, 10 patients failed screening primarily due to inadequate tumor tissue availability. Of the remaining 20 patients, tumor biopsy analysis was used to assign them to one of seven doublet treatment regimens. Key secondary objectives included response rate (RR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results revealed promising indications for progression-free survival and overall survival, with a partial response seen in 28% of patients and stable disease in 50% by completion of the study.

Based on the results from this pilot study, a larger phase II randomized trial of molecularly targeted therapy versus physicians' choice of standard of care has been initiated.

Results of the pilot study were discussed in the May 2, 2019, online edition of the Journal of Pancreatic Cancer.

Related Links:
Georgetown University

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
Plasma Control
Plasma Control Level 1

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new ADLM guidance will help healthcare professionals navigate respiratory virus testing in a post-COVID world (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New ADLM Guidance Provides Expert Recommendations on Clinical Testing For Respiratory Viral Infections

Respiratory tract infections, predominantly caused by viral pathogens, are a common reason for healthcare visits. Accurate and swift diagnosis of these infections is essential for optimal patient management.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The novel test uses an existing diagnostic procedure as its basis to target the Epstein Barr Virus (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Blood Test Measures Immune Response to Epstein-Barr Virus in MS Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. It affects around three million people globally and ranks as the second most common cause of disability... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The T-SPOT.TB test is now paired with the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handling platform for accurate TB testing (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Insulin proteins clumping together (Photo courtesy of Jacob Kæstel-Hansen)

AI Tool Detects Tiny Protein Clumps in Microscopy Images in Real-Time

Over 55 million individuals worldwide suffer from dementia-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These conditions are caused by the clumping together of the smallest building blocks in the... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: For 46 years, Roche and Hitachi have collaborated to deliver innovative diagnostic solutions (Photo courtesy of Roche)

Roche and Hitachi High-Tech Extend 46-Year Partnership for Breakthroughs in Diagnostic Testing

Roche (Basel, Switzerland) and Hitachi High-Tech (Tokyo, Japan) have renewed their collaboration agreement, committing to a further 10 years of partnership. This extension brings together their long-standing... Read more