Companion Diagnostic Cancer Testing Service Expands Internationally

Lab21 (Cambridge, UK) is marketing its newly launched mutation testing services internationally.

Recent drug licenses using Vectibix and Erbitux as targeting therapies for colon cancer require analysis of the KRAS gene in the tumor to assess whether the patient will respond to the targeting therapy. KRAS is the official symbol and name of the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog [Homo sapiens]. The company has seen the demand for K-RAS testing increase 10-fold since it was launched at the beginning of the year 2008. It has recently recent its number of staff, as well as systems, in order to cope with the expected demand.

Lab21's laboratories are already receiving patient samples from around the world including the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. "Through our dedicated help-line, strong logistics, and high quality testing function we are able to provide rapid turnaround from as little as 5 days and tailored reporting for many overseas customers”, added Dr Berwyn Clarke, CSDO of Lab21.

Dr Aladdin Maarraoui in Mafraq Hospital (Abu Dhabi, UAE) commented "I am grateful to Lab21 for providing such quick and high quality results for my patients as testing for K-RAS mutation gives me great comfort that I will offer targeted therapy to the group of patients that are likely to respond to it.”


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