New Data Support Use of Simple Test to Predict Endometrial Cancer Response to Ch...(and biologic agents -- providing both se...),Health

"We are very pleased with the results of this study and the correlation between the test results generated using ChemoFX and published response rates for commonly used chemotherapy," said Dr. Holly Gallion, MD, Vice President Medical Affairs, Precision Therapeutics, Inc., "This is a significant step toward ensuring women receive the most effective chemotherapy, early in the treatment process, with limited exposure to therapies that may provide minimal benefit."

About the Study

Tumor specimens were collected from December 1, 2007 to July 15, 2008 from 405 consecutive patients with endometrial carcinoma and were tested in vitro for a response using the ChemoFx assay. Tumors were categorized prospectively as responsive (R), intermediately responsive (IR) or nonresponsive (NR) to each drug or combination of drugs tested. The in vitro response rates were compared to reported response rates from clinical trials.

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage distribution was 171 stage I patients, 32 stage II patients, 106 stage III patients, 57 stage IV patients, 37 recurrent patients, and 2 unknown patients. The assay was successfully completed for 360 (89 percent) cases. The majority of tumors (73 percent) exhibited varying degrees of responsiveness to different drug(s). No significant difference in response rate was observed between primary and recurrent tumors or between stage I/II and III/IV tumors.

In vitro tumor response rates were similar to reported treatment response rates for all treatments except single-agent carboplatin. Investigators concluded that a drug response marker can provide clinically useful information to optimize individual chemotherapy regimens for women with endometrial cancer.

About Precision Therapeutics<
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