New Labcorp test can help patients with skin cancer

BURLINGTON – A new test developed by Labcorp can help people find treatment options for skin cancer.

The test, which Labcorp announced in a statement, is available for use in clinical trials and for patient care by providers.

Here’s how it works, according to the Burlington, N.C.-headquartered company: “The new test measures Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) expression levels by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tumor tissue. LAG-3 is an immune-oncology target with demonstrable clinical benefit in patients with melanoma. ”

According to the company, the test was developed by Labcorp for use in a clinical trial that investigated dual checkpoint inhibitors that included a LAG-3 immunotherapy. The assay developed by the company will enable the analysis of LAG-3 status in a tumor, as well as the correlation between expression status and response.

Findings are published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology.

Skin cancer, of which melanoma is among the more rare types, is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Labcorp’s statement notes that anyone “noticing a new mole or changes to existing moles should speak to health care provider” as this is one of the first signs of melanoma.

The FDA recently approved the company’s combined flu and COVID at-home test kit.