LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Response Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, announced today four presentations to be held during the 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL from June 1 to June 5, 2012. Study results are based on the company’s proprietary technology and approach.
“Data to be presented at ASCO 2012 will highlight the clinical utility of Response Genetics’ tests in the fight against cancer,” said Stephanie H. Astrow, Ph.D., MBA, vice president for R&D. “Through rapid and accurate assessment of genetic biomarkers, we’re helping doctors personalize cancer care by providing them valuable insights into potential cancer recurrence and tumor response to drugs such as pemetrexed and crizotinib.”
All studies presented used technology developed by Response Genetics to isolate nucleic acids from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archived tissue for quantitative RT-PCR analysis of gene expression and other genetic analyses. Following is a summary of presentations:
Poster Discussion Sections
Monday June 4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., E450a
Abstract No. 4563: Generation of a prognostic cancer stem-like gene expression signature in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. Fairey, AS, Yang, D, et al.
Genes typically expressed by cancer stem-like cells were analyzed to determine their potential as predictive biomarkers of prostate cancer recurrence after radical resection. In this study, twelve candidate genes were evaluated in 241 tumor samples, with results identifying a novel three-gene expression signature (Axin2, NANOG, CTNNB1) with potential predictive benefit.
General Poster Sections
Saturday June 2, 1:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., S Hall A2
Abstract No: 7066: Prospective study of tumor suppressor gene (TSG) methylation as a prognostic biomarker in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Azzoli, CG, Drilon, A, et al.
To further explore the findings that promoter methylation of the certain tumor suppressor genes was associated with early recurrence in NSCLC, a prospective study was designed to analyze the methylation status of ten gene promoters (p16, CDH13, RASSF1A, APC, MGMT, WIF-1, METH-2, GSTP1, SOCS3, DAPK) and correlate status with clinical features, pathologic stage, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results showed no significant associations between promoter methylation and DFS, or OS.
Saturday June 2, 1:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., S Hall A2
Abstract No. 7582: Thymidylate synthase (TS) gene expression in patients with ALK positive (+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Implications for therapy. Gandara, DR, Huang, E, et al.
Thymidylate synthase (TS) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene expression was analyzed in the Response Genetics (RGI) tissue database to determine the potential association between ALK+ tumors and the chemotherapy agent pemetrexed – TS is a candidate predictive biomarker for pemetrexed activity and published results suggest increased sensitivity of ALK+ NSCLC to pemetrexed. Findings demonstrate low TS expression in ALK+ tumors, providing a possible mechanism of action of pemetrexed sensitivity in ALK+ NSCLC.
Saturday June 2, 1:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., S Hall A2
Abstract No. 7594: Update on the large-scale screening of ALK fusion oncogene transcripts in archival NSCLC tumor specimens using multiplexed RT-PCR assays. Li, T, Huang, E, et al.
More than 4,700 NSCLC specimens in the RGI database were tested for the presence of ALK fusion transcripts using single and multiplexed RT-PCR assays. Results not only provided information on fusion transcript positivity, but the specific genetic variants present in each tumor. In addition, information on expression of chemotherapy-related biomarkers (TS, ERCCI, and RRM1) was available for a subset of tumors. Together, these results underscore the utility of an RT-PCR-based assay as a companion diagnostic test for drugs targeting EML4-ALK fusion gene products.
About Response Genetics, Inc.
Response Genetics Inc. (“RGI”) is a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer. RGI’s principal customers include oncologist, pathologists and hospitals. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sales of its analytical testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. RGI was founded in 1999 and its principal headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California. For additional information, please visit www.responsegenetics.com.
Forward-Looking Statement Notice
Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of RGI related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Company to announce its financial results and provide a conference call, to continue to provide clinical testing services to the medical community, to continue to expand its sales force, to continue to build its digital pathology initiative, to attract and retain qualified management, to continue to provide clinical trial support to pharmaceutical clients, to enter into new collaborations with pharmaceutical clients, to enter into new areas such as companion diagnostics, and to continue to execute on its business strategy and operations, to continue to analyze cancer samples, the potential for using the results of this research to develop diagnostic tests for cancer, the usefulness of genetic information to tailor treatment to patients, and other statements identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans” or similar expressions.
These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company’s control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.