MicroRNA Biomarker Successfully Identifies Squamous Lung Cancer

A new study has shown that a microRNA-based diagnostic test objectively identified squamous lung cancer.

Studies have shown that as many as 30% of squamous lung cancers are not classified correctly. If the type of lung cancer is not identified correctly, patients may have side effects due to inappropriate treatment and medications. For example, squamous lung cancer carries increased risk of severe or fatal bleeding for certain targeted biological therapies including Bevacizumab (Avastin) and other drugs in development. Other approved therapies such as Pemetrexed (Alimta) are indicated for non-squamous lung cancer only.

A study was conducted by Rosetta Genomics (Rehovot, Israel) together with colleagues from the NYU Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center (New York, NY, USA), Columbia University (New York, NY, USA), and Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer, Israel). Tumor samples from 252 patients with lung cancer were examined in a laboratory where a single microRNA biomarker identified squamous lung carcinomas with 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The study appeared in the March 2009 Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO).

"The results of this study are very encouraging," says Harvey Pass, MD, professor of cardiothoracic surgery and director, thoracic surgery and oncology at the NYU Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center "The study has demonstrated that a microRNA biomarker successfully identifies squamous lung cancer with high reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity. The study certainly demonstrates the power of microRNAs in correctly classifying lung cancer and hopefully can immediately translate into more accurate choices of targeted therapies as well as cytotoxics for the disease."

Dr. Pass is the vice chairman of the medical advisory board for Rosetta Genomics, the company which makes the mirViw squamous test based on the same microRNA biomarker that was evaluated by the study. The test offers similar accuracy (97% sensitivity) and is now commercially available through Rosetta Genomics Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified lab in Philadelphia.

The NYU Cancer Institute is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. Its mission is to discover the origins of human cancer and to use that knowledge to eradicate the personal and societal burden of cancer in our community, the nation and the world. The center and its multidisciplinary team of experts provide access to the latest treatment options and clinical trials along with a variety of programs in cancer prevention, screening, diagnostics, genetic counseling, and supportive services.

Related Links:
Rosetta Genomics
NYU Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center
Columbia University
Sheba Medical Center