Quintiles lab launches genetic tests targeting individualized cancer treatments
Researchers now have access to two new genetic tests from a Quintiles lab that could lead to developments of cancer therapeutics.
Targeted Molecular Diagnostics, which is part of the RTP-based international contract research organization, launched the tests this week. The tests are focused on cancer and gene mutations.
The “mutation assays” identify genomic changes that occure in each patient, and the results are expected to help doctors develop individualized treatments.
“The availability of these new assays is evidence of TMD’s dedication to advancing personalized medicine and targeted therapies,” said TMD founder Dr. Sarah Bacus. She is senior vice president and chief scientific officer of Translational Medicine for Quintiles.
The tests identify mutations in solid tumors related to the BRAF and PI3KCA genes. Quintiles noted that studies have shown a correlation between changes in BRAF and PI3KCA genes and responses to certain cancer treatments.
“Using mutation assays is likely to become the standard of care in the future,” said Christopher Ung, a vice president with TMD. “Today, we are among the first to offer BRAF and PI3KCA assays, as these solid tumor mutations are on the leading edge of cancer research and personalized treatment options.”
Quintiles acquired TMD last year.
Featured
Hot Off The Wire
- Red Hat's new Fedora lead; Cree LED breakthrough; Google, Cisco top 'green' list; Oracle rejects SAP settlement; Yahoo board shakeup
- Will Cisco report progress in its turnaround efforts?
- Cisco server fire threat; Lenovo Android upgrade; cloud startup vs. Cisco; Epic's Blesinski to host awards; Google 'Solve for X'
E-mail Preferences
