Researchers at molecular diagnostics company Exact Sciences and Mayo Clinic have identified a blood-based DNA biomarker panel that could help detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer.
During the study, the test was used to analyse DNA extracted from the blood samples of 244 subjects, of which 95 people were suffering from different stages of HCC, 51 had cirrhosis and 98 were healthy volunteers.
The samples were assessed for 15 biomarkers in order to detect the combination of six biomarkers yielding the most accurate HCC diagnosis.
Data showed that the panel of six biomarkers is 95% sensitive for all stages of HCC. Among patients with curable-stage disease, sensitivity was 91%.
In addition, the overall specificity of the panel to distinguish healthy individuals from diseased patients was found to be 93%.
Exact Sciences chairman and CEO Kevin Conroy said: “These results are further validation of our advanced DNA technology and our multi-biomarker approach for the detection of the deadliest forms of cancer.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“We look forward to advancing this important research in early stage cancer with Mayo Clinic.”
According to Mayo Clinic Medical School assistant professor of medicine, John Kisiel, the results indicate that the panel can potentially transform the monitoring and identification of patients with curable-stage tumours.
The researchers are planning to apply the biomarker assay technology to all cancers, as part of their goal to validate the accuracy of the biomarkers identified for HCC detection.