Laboratory study indicates need for more clinical research of
mechanisms that influence the activity of oxaliplatin
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Jan. 13, 2011 - Genomic research could help
doctors better target a drug widely used to treat colorectal cancer
patients, according to a study by Genomic Health Inc. (Nasdaq:
GHDX) and the Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen).
The drug, oxaliplatin, is widely used in colon cancer. It is used
in early disease, following surgery in those cancers that are
likely to recur. It is also used in advanced disease to slow
progression of the cancer where it has spread to other parts of the
body.
However, a significant number of patients experience serious side
effects, including prolonged damage to the nervous system,
"creating an urgent need to identify genes that are responsible for
drug sensitivity or resistance, which results in directing therapy
to those most likely to benefit," according to the study published
in Molecular Cancer Research.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the
U.S., annually diagnosed in more than 146,000 Americans. It also is
the third highest cause of cancer death in the U.S., annually
killing nearly 50,000 people, more than who die each year on the
nation's roadways. This cancer affects men and women in nearly
equal numbers.
Nerve damage, or neurotoxicity, associated with oxaliplatin is most
commonly manifest as pain or a loss of sensation in the hands and
feet and can severely affect a patient's quality of life and
ability to work. These symptoms are experienced in some form
by the majority of patients receiving this drug and, for some
patients, can be permanent.
The TGen/Genomic Health researchers examined the role of individual
cancer genes to influence the sensitivity or resistance of colon
cancer cells grown in laboratory culture. An interfering RNA screen
of 500 genes - with 2,000 unique siRNA sequences -identified 27
genes that, when silenced, altered the sensitivity of colon tumor
cells to oxaliplatin, causing damage to the cancer cells' DNA and
inhibiting the cancer cells' ability to reproduce and survive, the
study said. This study has also showed that diverse gene networks
also play a role in the ability of the drug to impact colon
tumors.
"These 27 genes, whose loss of function significantly affect the
effectiveness of oxaliplatin, may be promising therapeutic
biomarkers for oxaliplatin," said Dr. Holly Yin, head of TGen's
Cellular Genomics Collaborative Center in Scottsdale, and a
co-author of the study.
Dr. Robert J. Pelham, a research scientist at Redwood City,
Calif.-based Genomic Health and the study's senior author, said the
findings indicate a need for additional clinical studies on tumor
specimens in patients treated with oxaliplatin. "Such future
clinical studies could eventually lead to potential clinical
applications, where patients could benefit," Dr. Pelham said.
This laboratory study has been published online and is pending
print publication in Molecular Cancer Research, one of six
peer-reviewed scientific journals published by the
Philadelphia-based American Association for Cancer Research.
Founded in 1907, AACR is the world's oldest and largest scientific
organization focused on high-quality, innovative cancer
research.
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About Genomic Health Inc.
Genomic Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: GHDX) is a molecular diagnostics
company focused on the global development and commercialization of
genomic-based clinical laboratory services that analyze the
underlying biology of cancer allowing physicians and patients to
make individualized treatment decisions. Its lead product,
the Oncotype DX® breast cancer test, has been shown to predict the
likelihood of chemotherapy benefit as well as recurrence in
early-stage breast cancer. In addition to this widely adopted
test, Genomic Health provides the Oncotype DX colon cancer test,
the first multigene expression test developed for the assessment of
risk of recurrence in patients with stage II disease. As of
September 30, 2010, more than 10,000 physicians in over 55
countries had ordered more than 175,000 Oncotype DX tests.
Genomic Health has a robust pipeline focused on developing tests to
optimize the treatment of prostate and renal cell cancers, as well
as additional stages of breast and colon cancers. The company
is based in Redwood City, California with European headquarters in
Geneva, Switzerland. For more information, please visit
www.genomichealth.com.
Press Contact:
650-569-2215
[email protected]
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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at
TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer,
neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of
translational research where investigators are able to unravel the
genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with
collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen
believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency
and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated
with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]