RUTHERFORD, N.J., May 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CGIX ) (“CGI” or “The Company”), a leader in precision diagnostics for oncology, announced today that it has partnered with Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a member of the Roche Group (Roche), to enable rapid patient access to testing following the FDA’s recent approval of Roche’s VENTANA PD-L1 (SP263) Assay.
CGI participated in a new program launched by Ventana that provides pre-launch pathologist training and supports the lab in validating the assay to ensure early availability of testing. The agreement ensures that CGI is one of the first laboratories in the United States with pathologists trained to use and interpret the VENTANA PD-L1 (SP263) test to help inform patient treatment decisions. Prequalification of select laboratories ensures patients have immediate access to the PD-L1 (SP263) test across the United States.
The use of the VENTANA PD-L1 (SP263) Assay for PD-L1 expression testing in either tumor or immune cell membranes in urothelial carcinoma may be a useful tool to help determine the likelihood of responding to the anti-PD-L1 immuno-oncology (IO) therapy IMFINZI™ (durvalumab), developed by AstraZeneca, but is not required for use of IMFINZI.
Urothelial carcinoma, a disease with an unmet need for new therapies, is the most common type of bladder cancer (over 90%) and encompasses cancers of the ureters, urethra, and renal pelvis. It is estimated that in 2017, approximately 79,000 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer, and almost 17,000 will die from this disease.[1]
“CGI is very well positioned to provide broad and rapid access to the VENTANA PD-L1 (SP263) Assay and thereby support potentially lifesaving treatment decisions. We are very excited to have been selected by Roche as we see ourselves at the forefront of enabling precision diagnostics in immuno-oncology. We are pleased about the opportunity to bring these advances into a large-scale clinical setting benefiting patients,” said CGI President and CEO Panna Sharma.
[1] American Cancer Society 2017 Facts and Figures/pg 29/col 1/para 4/lines 1-2
ABOUT CANCER GENETICS Cancer Genetics Inc. is a leader in enabling precision medicine in oncology from bench to bedside through the use of oncology biomarkers and molecular testing. CGI is developing a global footprint with locations in the US, India and China. We have established strong clinical research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Keck School of Medicine at USC and the National Cancer Institute.
The Company offers a comprehensive range of laboratory services that provide critical genomic and biomarker information. Its state-of-the-art reference labs are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited in the US and have licensure from several states including New York State.
For more information, please visit or follow CGI at: Internet: www.cancergenetics.com Twitter: @Cancer_Genetics Facebook: www.facebook.com/CancerGenetics
About durvalumab IMFINZI™ (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody directed against PD-L1. Durvalumab is also being studied in the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable and metastatic bladder cancer as a monotherapy and in combination with tremelimumab, a checkpoint inhibitor that targets CTLA-4, as part of the DANUBE Phase III trial, which enrolled its first patient during the fourth quarter of 2015. Additional clinical trials are ongoing to investigate durvalumab as monotherapy or in combination with tremelimumab in non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, bladder, hepatocellular carcinoma and blood cancers. IMFINZI is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies and is manufactured and distributed by AstraZeneca.
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Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, risks of cancellation of customer contracts or discontinuance of trials, risks that anticipated benefits from acquisitions will not be realized, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights and other risks discussed in the Cancer Genetics, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2016 along with other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Cancer Genetics, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Media Contact: Panna Sharma Cancer Genetics, Inc. Tel: 201-528-9200 Email: panna.sharma@cgix.com Investor Relations Contact: Richard Moyer Cameron Associates 535 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017 Tel: 212-554-5466 Email: richard@cameronassoc.com
