This articles has been corrected to clarify that AltheaDx will offer the DxS assay as a service and not as a distributor.
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – AltheaDx will offer as a service DxS’ genetic assay for K-RAS mutations for use in clinical studies in the US, Manchester, UK-based DxS said today.
Under the agreement, AltheaDx will provide US study centers with access to DxS' K-RAS mutation detection assays to aid in clinical research in which patients are assessed for their mutation status, which can be an indicator of treatment needs.
The assay screens for mutations in the K-RAS gene, which is mutated in around 35 percent to 45 percent of metastatic colorectal cancer cases, and in a variety of other cancers. Patients with the mutation do not respond well to two common EGFR inhibitor cancer drugs.
“The DxS kit will enable AltheaDx to offer KRAS analysis for future clinical trials, in order to further advance the developments that have seen patients being prescribed the appropriate targeted cancer based on their genetic profile,” AltheaDx CEO David Macdonald said in a statement.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network yesterday said it is recommending that cancer doctors determine the status of the K-RAS gene either of a primary tumor or a metastasizing site as part of a pre-treatment work-up for colon cancer patients.