CombiMatrix Launches New Prostate Cancer Array-Based Diagnostic Test
Tuesday December 16, 6:00 am ET
ProScan Array is First Genome-Based Test to Introduce Genomic Pathology to Prostate Cancer
MUKILTEO, Wash., Dec. 16, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CombiMatrix Corporation (NasdaqGM:CBMX - News) today announced the introduction of the first prostate cancer array-based test. Known as the ProScan(tm) test, it complements the company's growing portfolio of array-based diagnostic tests.
The ProScan test is based on key peer-reviewed studies that identified several genetic tumor markers that enable a more precise stratification of the risk profile of cancer patients. The ProScan test comprises probes for specific genomic loci of which copy number gains and losses have been shown to correlate with risk of recurrence and metastasis in patients post-prostatectomy. These additional probes are a further enhancement of the CMDX solid tumor array platform design which enables whole-genome tumor profiling, or genomic grading, while also providing information about the copy-number status of specific disease-associated loci.
``The ProScan test is an important first step toward introducing the concept of genomic pathology through CombiMatrix's well tested laboratory developed platform of array CGH,'' said Dr. Mercedes Gorre, Vice President of Scientific Affairs for Combimatrix Molecular Diagnostics. ``The ProScan test provides a valuable new tool to physicians and patients with the potential for making informed decisions about the benefits and risks of whether or not to treat their prostate cancer and, if so, in what manner.''
``The launch of the ProScan test further solidifies our leadership position in the array-based genetic testing market, in which we provide by far the broadest portfolio of tests,'' said Dr. Amit Kumar, President and CEO of CombiMatrix. ``We're pleased to make this groundbreaking cancer diagnostic test available to physicians and to deliver on our commitment to launch the ProScan test by the end of this year.''
In the U.S., prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and the second most common type of cancer found in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 186,320 new cases of prostate cancer in 2008 and about 28,660 men will die from this disease. There are more than two million survivors alive today. |
