Clarient, a provider of comprehensive anatomic pathology and molecular testing services, has launched a new gene mutation test to help physicians select the appropriate therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer. The test, called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, has been validated as a laboratory-developed test and is available for use by physicians.
Studies have shown EGFR to be a predictive biomarker for patient response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies such as gefitinib and erlotinib. Virtually all patients who respond to NSCLC drugs have mutations in the EGFR gene. EGFR mutation testing may help patients avoid unnecessary toxicities, treatment delays, and increased medical costs.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in men, and the second most common in women (behind breast cancer). More than 1.3 million people around the world die of lung cancer annually. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 215,000 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008. NSCLC accounts for about 85 percent of lung cancer cases.
California-based Clarient continues to be a prolific innovator in the testing industry. Earlier this year, the company launched a gene expression test for prostate cancer and a breast cancer test to assess the probability of the disease recurring.
Related video: Ron A. Andrews, CEO of Clarient