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Whatman Provides FTA(R) Elute to NCRI Prostate Cancer Biomarker Study

Posted on: Monday, 27 August 2007, 15:21 CDT

Whatman, a global leader in separations technology, today announced that it will provide DNA collection kits based on its proprietary FTA® Elute technology for a pharmacogenotyping study looking at genetic markers in prostate cancer. The international study is part of the Systemic Therapy in Advancing or Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Evaluation of Drug Efficacy (STAMPEDE) trial.

The trial is being conducted through the UK Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London and the University of Birmingham. It is sponsored by UK Medical Research Council, funded by Cancer Research UK and supported by the National Cancer Research Institute and National Cancer Research Network.

STAMPEDE is a multi-stage randomized controlled trial for patients with newly diagnosed advanced prostate cancer or for patients with a rapid PSA rise following previous surgery or radiotherapy. The sub study is designed to increase understanding of metabolic pathways by which androgen blocking drugs affect patients. In addition, the sub study will examine the interaction between pharmaceuticals and genetics by comparing the response to one of six treatment combinations with the patients' genetic profile.

Each of the estimated 3,300 patients with advanced prostate cancer, who will participate in one of the five stages of the study, will have the option to contribute a sample of genetic material using the Whatman FTA Elute kit. FTA Elute utilizes a chemically-treated matrix that lyses cells and immobilizes nucleic acids on contact, enabling scientists to collect, transport, archive, and isolate DNA and RNA samples at room temperature in a single step.

"FTA Elute fits the parameters of this study well, in that it provides the ability to gather and store genetic information efficiently and safely to help researchers extract as much information from the samples as possible," said Nicholas James, Professor of Clinical Oncology at the University of Birmingham and Chief Investigator of STAMPEDE. "Being able to archive samples at room temperature is a real strength of this system. This way, if we need to review DNA for certain SNPs or genes down the road, we'll have everything we need on hand."

The sub study will isolate small sections of patients' DNA for analysis to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) biomarkers -- essentially minute variations between individuals' DNA -- that differentiate how patients may respond to a given therapy. Researchers hope to uncover links between certain SNPs and drug efficacy, side-effects, or individual susceptibility to prostate cancer.

"The kits we are providing to the NCRI study contain everything researchers need to quickly and effectively gather, transport, extract and store samples for genetic analysis," said Emmanuel Ligner, Whatman European Vice President. "We understand it is important to the organizers of this study to have a sample collection and analysis system that is fast and easy to use, so everything in the FTA Elute-based kits can be safely and effectively implemented with minimal training."

The Whatman FTA product family includes a line of FTA cards designed for the collection and transportation of biological materials; FTA Elute, designed to release DNA in solution to complete multiple PCR reactions; GenSpin and GenSpin Plant, kits designed for the rapid purification of genomic DNA from blood or plant samples; and FTA Concentrator-PS, a device designed in partnership with the FDA to detect the presence of parasites in fresh produce.

About Whatman

A global leader in separations technology, Whatman provides innovative life science products and solutions for the scientific community. Whatman has developed total sample preparation solutions to improve research in a wide range of fields. Our robust line of filtration devices and membranes enables us to provide novel solutions for the laboratory, environmental, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage markets. For more information, visit us at www.whatman.com.

About MRC CTU

The MRC Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) is a centre for clinical research which is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC). Its mission is to be a centre of excellence for clinical trials, meta-analyses and epidemiological studies in order to strengthen and expand the evidence-base for health care nationally and internationally.

The Medical Research Council is a non-departmental public body whose purpose is to encourage and support high quality research with the aim of improving and maintaining the health of the public and of contributing to national health and quality of life. Randomised Controlled Trials have been a major focus of MRC research for over 50 years and they represent the gold standard in the assessment of new approaches to prevention and treatment in many areas of medicine.

About NCRI

NCRI is a partnership between the United Kingdom government, charity and industry which promotes co-operation among 20 member organizations for the benefit of patients, the public and the scientific community. NCRI began in 2001 to develop common plans for cancer research and to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort. For more information, visit us at www.ncri.org.uk .

Source: Business Wire

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