Pathwork(R) Diagnostics Launches Genomics-Based Test For Hard-To-Identify Tumors Through Its CLIA-Certified ...(ctor of Clinical Oncology at the Univers...)

There are an estimated 200,000 patients with uncertain primary tumors, including Cancer of Unknown Primary, in the U.S. each year. Knowing the primary tumor site with greater certainty enables the oncologist to select cancer-specific therapy according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

"Traditional tools used to identify tumors of uncertain origin include imaging, such as CT scans and MRIs, as well as thorough pathological evaluation with immunohistochemistry and other techniques," said Federico A. Monzon, M.D., pathologist and director of molecular diagnostics at The Methodist Hospital and The Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston. "However, these techniques do not identify a tissue of origin in a significant number of cases. Microarray-based gene expression testing offers strong potential to fill this void and improve the diagnosis of uncertain primary tumors."

"Affymetrix is the leader in offering a continuous path to discover, develop and commercialize complex biomarker signature assays," said Kevin King, president of Affymetrix. "Our platform enables partners like Pathwork Diagnostics to create more efficient and complete methods to better diagnose, classify and manage complex diseases. The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test is a great example of an array-based diagnostic test that is helping to make personalized medicine a reality - today."

Oncologists and pathologists may provide qualified frozen tissue specimens to the Pathwork Diagnostics Laboratory, located in Sunnyvale, California, for processing and analysis using the Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test. A Pathwork staff pathologist interprets the results and provides a comprehensive report to the ordering physician. Path
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