NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Interpace Diagnostics reported today a research collaboration with Viatar CTC Solutions aimed at assessing indeterminate pancreatic cancer biopsies in patients with pancreatic cysts.
The two firms will use Interpace's PancraGen assay and Viatar's circulating tumor cell technology in studies aimed at identifying patients who are most likely to develop pancreatic cancer in the near future, and at detecting the cancer in the earliest stage of development. The preclinical studies are expected to be conducted during the next six months, Interpace said. It added the studies may lead to the implementation of early diagnostic testing and assessment for patients with pancreatic diseases, as well as patients who are predisposed to developing aggressive and difficult forms of the cancer that are most in need of early detection.
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Interpace's PancraGen assay uses a small sample of pancreatic cyst fluid to assess pancreatic cancer risk. Viatar calls itself a "cancer dialysis" firm. Its lead product, the Viatar Oncopheresis System, removes CTC cells for liters of whole blood based on a filtration method using size and stiffness.