Novel miRNA Assay Assesses Pancreatic Masses

A miRNA test aids physicians in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) when cytology is inconclusive.

The test analyzes the expression levels of small, regulatory fine needle aspirate (FNA) molecules known as microRNA’s (miRNA). An algorithm calculates a score between 0 and 1 by measuring the expression levels of seven miRNAs, and this determines whether or not PDAC has been identified.

The Asuragen, Inc. (Austin, TX, USA) miRNA assay, called the miRInform pancreas test, is immediately available in the company's College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) laboratory. miRInform pancreas is performed on FNA biopsies of solid lesions of PDAC patients.

“The development and commercialization of miRInform Pancreas for FNA specimens represents another breakthrough for Asuragen and capitalizes on our deep molecular expertise and unsurpassed foundation in using miRNAs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications,” commented Matt Winkler, PhD, CEO of Asuragen. “We believe miRNAs will prove to be highly relevant for many additional cancer diagnostic applications.

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