Predictive genetic test for bowel cancer treatment is introduced in the UK
Amgen and Lab21 in Partnership Agreement for New Cancer Therapy Test
Introduced to the UK earlier this year, Vectibix is currently licensed for patients with metastatic bowel cancer for whom standard chemotherapy has failed in patients with a specific gene mutation. In a biomarker analysis of the pivotal clinical trial, the drug doubled median progression-free survival in patients with non-mutated (wild type) KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homologue) compared with patients receiving best supportive care alone.
Amgen scientists had discovered that only those patients with the non-mutated (wild type) KRAS would respond to Vectibix. Patients with metastatic bowel cancer will be tested for the presence of the wild type KRAS gene before they are prescribed the drug. Approximately 60 per cent of patients with advanced bowel cancer have wild type KRAS. Of these, up to 60 per cent would be expected to respond to Vectibix.
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Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.
Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.