EVRY, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IntegraGen, a leading player in the development and marketing of molecular diagnostic testing in oncology and autism, today announced the publication of a study in Clinical Cancer Research which reports on the ability of the microRNA (miRNA) miR-31-3p to predict progression-free survival in KRAS wild-type (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies.
The study, entitled “Hsa-miR-31-3p expression is linked to progression-free survival in patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated with anti-EGFR therapy” examined data from four independent cohorts representing 132 mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR therapy. Increased expression of miR-31-3p in both fresh frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from primary tumors was associated with significantly shorter progression free survival in this patient population.
“New biomarkers beyond RAS mutations are needed to select patients who will benefit from anti-EGFR therapy in advanced colorectal cancer,” stated study author Professor Pierre Laurent-Puig, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Genetics and Head of the Clinical Oncogenetic Unit at European Georges Pompidou Hospital University Paris Descartes in Paris, France. “This data provides evidence that miR-31-3p is a useful biomarker for predicting survival in KRAS WT mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR therapy.”
“Since a large percentage of mCRC patients do not have KRAS mutations and are candidates for anti-EGFR therapies, the incorporation of this biomarker into clinical practice could prevent treatment with a therapy that is potentially ineffective while also preventing exposure to drug therapy associated toxicities and the loss of time and opportunity to receive other treatment options which may be more effective,” said Bernard Courtieu, IntegraGen’s CEO. “IntegraGen is currently exploring options for offering a test based on the hsa-miR-31-3p biomarker to clinicians. We envision a significant interest in the use of this biomarker amongst oncologists since it will permit them to provide a more personalized approach to cancer care.”
IntegraGen obtained the exclusive license for the worldwide rights for the miR-31-3p biomarker from the Paris Descartes University, INSERM, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, and the Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, all leading French academic institutions which, along with IntegraGen, are co-owners of the patent. The results of a larger scale validation study reporting on the relationship between miR-31-3p expression in tumor samples and anti-EGFR effects in wild-type KRAS patients with mCRC will be presented at the 2014 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology held in Chicago, Illinois later this month.
ABOUT INTEGRAGEN
Founded in 2000, IntegraGen (ALINT.PA) is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of molecular diagnostic tests in the fields of oncology and autism. IntegraGen’s mission is to translate molecular research into clinical practice through the identification of novel genetic biomarkers and the subsequent development of molecular diagnostic tests which allow clinicians to better manage the clinical care of their patients. IntegraGen is also a leader in delivering expert genomic service solutions to academic researchers and life sciences companies as a result of its scientific knowledge and technological expertise related to cutting edge genomic platforms and bioinformatics.
For more information visit www.integragen.com.
