Test for Cancer Mutation Status to Be Developed

Scientists are developing a test to determine a patient's cancer mutation status, which may predict how they respond to cancer therapies. If clinical trials are successful, this could lead to a companion diagnostics to predict response for novel cancer therapies for skin, thyroid, and large intestine cancers.

The V600E B-RAF mutation was identified by scientists from the Wellcome Trust (London, UK). The mutation can be found in around 36-40% of skin and thyroid cancers and up to 13% of cancers in the large intestine.

DxS (Manchester, UK), a provider of companion diagnostics to the personalized cancer medicine market, has signed a non-exclusive global licensing agreement with the Wellcome Trust. DxS will provide a test for use in clinical trials to detect the presence of the V600E B-RAF mutation, which is found in melanomas, intestinal, and thyroid cancers.

Using their real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology Scorpions, DxS has developed a highly sensitive and selective test able to detect mutations at very low levels, which can be performed in less than three hours.

Dr. Stephen Little, CEO of DxS Ltd., said, "With many novel drugs in development for skin, thyroid, and colon cancer, the potential for this assay is enormous. Through this licensing agreement, we plan to expand the range of biomarker tests to our customers, aiding the treatment of a number of types of cancer.”

Related Links:
Wellcome Trust
DxS