Research Study to Focus on Actionable Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
NEW HAVEN, CT / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2017 / Precipio, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRPO), announced today that its ICE COLD-PCR™ technology has been selected for a study to identify clinically actionable mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated center.
"The study will focus on actionable mutations for non-small lung cancer in EGFR, KRAS and BRAF," said Dr. Kurt B. Hodges, Director, Molecular Oncology Services, who will lead the study. "Our goal is to use this technology to identify patients with clinically actionable mutations in NSCLC and then monitor these patients for treatment response via resistance mutations to commonly prescribed NSCLC drugs. Our department has considered numerous technologies for this study, and concluded that Precipio's ICE COLD-PCR™ (ICP) was the most suitable because ICP is a non-allele specific technology with a sensitivity that will allow our laboratory to cost-effectively pick up critical clinically actionable mutations at very low levels in plasma and test for these mutations at several time points over the course of therapy."
The study is scheduled to commence during the fourth quarter of 2017 and is expected to enroll 100 patients. This research study investigates the potential for the technology as a cutting-edge, cost-effective solution that enriches mutations to achieve a high level of sensitivity. Given the design of research studies such as this to conduct repeat testing over time to monitor disease progression, there is a substantive need for an inexpensive, cost-effective solution that creates a feasible, economically viable application of the promise of liquid biopsies.
"We are delighted to partner with the University of Kentucky to support this important research study, especially in light of the recent launch of our first re-designed ICE-COLD PCR™ targeted enrichment kit," said Ilan Danieli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Precipio. "While the field of liquid biopsies is undoubtedly going to change the way cancer is treated over the next few years, valuable research like this is still needed to establish clinical validity and applicability of blood-based samples and corresponding technologies. Academic centers play a key role in the forefront of research to establish these standards, and we are honored to be a part of that process. Precipio is committed to playing a key role in working with researchers and academic institutions to help demonstrate the value of ICE COLD-PCR™ as a leading technology within the liquid biopsy field," Mr. Danieli concluded.
ICE COLD-PCR™ delivers up to a 500-fold increase in mutation detection compared to most current methods, with levels of detection down to 0.1%, making it an ideal method for liquid biopsy analyses. As a low-cost product, it provides a game-changing alternative to competing high-priced liquid biopsy platforms as an economically viable technology that enables low-cost repeat testing.
About University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center
The UK Markey Cancer Center was founded in 1983 and is a dedicated matrix cancer center established as an integral part of the University of Kentucky and the UK HealthCare enterprise. It has provided state-of-the-art cancer care for more than 20 years. Markey is the only cancer center in Kentucky designated by the National Cancer Institute. In August 2017, Markey was designated as one of the Top 50 Cancer Centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Markey Cancer Center provides access to more than 100 nationally sponsored clinical studies for different types of cancer. It is among the few institutions nationwide providing multidisciplinary care through Clinical Care and Research Teams (CCARTs). Major CCARTs include breast, gynecologic, gastrointestinal, head and neck, lung, brain, hematologic and genitourinary cancers.
About Precipio
Precipio has built a platform designed to eradicate the problem of misdiagnosis by harnessing the intellect, expertise, and technology developed within academic institutions and delivering quality diagnostic information to physicians and their patients worldwide. Through its collaborations with world-class academic institutions specializing in cancer research, diagnostics and treatment, initially the Yale School of Medicine, Precipio offers a new standard of diagnostic accuracy enabling the highest level of patient care. For more information, please visit www.precipiodx.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to Precipio's merger with Transgenomic, consolidation of laboratory operations, reductions of accounts payable, plans and prospects and other statements containing the words "anticipate," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "will," "would," "could," "should," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that could cause future results to materially differ from the recent results or those projected in forward-looking statements include the known risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the Company's definitive proxy statement filed on May 12, 2017, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the Company's prior filings and from time to time in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any change in such factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to in such statements. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release and the Company does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements unless required by law.
Contacts:
Precipio Investor Relations:
John Marco
Managing Director
Core IR
377 Oak Street
Garden City, NY 11530
516 222 2560
[email protected]
www.coreir.com
SOURCE: Precipio, Inc.