NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) — Precipio said today that the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) will use its ICE-COLD PCR (ICP) mutation enrichment technology in a study screening for clinically actionable mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Precipio's ICP is a non-allele-specific mutation multiplexed enrichment technology that can be used on any downstream DNA sequencing platform and on any sample type. According to the New Haven, Connecticut-based Precipio, ICP's ultra-high sensitivity allows for comprehensive genomic analyses to be done using liquid biopsies.
In the study, UCMC researchers will use ICP and high resolution melt (HRM) analysis to screen blood samples from 20 NSCLC patients for actionable mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Patients found to be positive for an EGFR mutation will have their ICP-enriched sample tested for two key resistance mutations — T790M and C797S — via real-time PCR.
Results of the study are expected to be submitted for peer-reviewed publication, Precipio said. Pending the outcome of the study, UCMC intends to offer the assays in a clinical setting.
"ICP utilized with HRM enables the early identification of patients with and without these mutations in NSCLC and is crucial to selecting the correct targeted therapy to help treat NSCLC," Precipio Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Miller said in a statement. "We look forward to collaborating with prestigious academic institutions like the University of Cincinnati to research new technologies and generate data through innovative studies and corresponding publications that further validate ICP."