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Response Genetics, Inc. To Announce Pancreatic, Colon and Gastric Cancer Results at the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting

Posted on: Thursday, 29 May 2008, 09:00 CDT

Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX) will announce the results of studies in pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and gastric cancer that identify novel biomarkers and genetic profile patterns that are predictive of therapeutic response. Results of these studies will be presented during the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, which will be held May 30 to June 3.

"These new data illustrate the flexibility of Response Genetics' approach to identifying novel disease markers in various tumor types," said Kathleen Danenberg, president and CEO, Response Genetics.

All studies presented used proprietary technology developed by Response Genetics, Inc. to isolate RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archived tissue for gene expression using quantitative RT-PCR analysis or microarray analysis. Following is a summary of presentations:

Saturday, May 31, 2:00 to 2:15 p.m.; E Hall D1

Abstract No 4002: Use of intratumoral mRNA expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and HIF1 pathway to predict outcome to VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in patients enrolled in CONFIRM1 and CONFIRM2

The CONFIRM1 and CONFIRM2 trials have shown that metastatic colorectal cancer patients with high serum LDH benefit from PTK787/ZK 222584 (PTK/ZK), an anti-angiogenesis, VEGFR-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Because hypoxia regulates angiogenesis, the hypothesis was tested that high intratumoral mRNA levels of genes involved with hypoxia such as HIF1, LDHA and Glut1, as well as genes involved in angiogenesis such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGF2, are predictive of outcome. Analysis of samples from 191 patients from the CONFIRM1 and CONFIRM2 trials suggest that expression of HIF1, LDHA, Glut1 and VEGFR2 are all predictive for the effectiveness of VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Monday, June 2, 8:00 a.m. to noon; S Hall A1

Abstract No 4622: Different pancreatic cancer genomic risk prediction models derived from microdissected and non-microdissected paraffin-embedded tissue

This study investigated the effect of using microdissected pancreatic tumor tissue versus unprocessed specimen for microarray analysis; many previous studies have used fresh frozen tissue containing both tumor and non-tumor tissue. Results identified 8,531 differentially expressed genes between the dissected and non-microdissected specimens. Profiles from both sample groups gave prognostic information, but with totally different gene sets. The dissimilarity in gene profiles generated from microdissected and non-microdissected samples shows that non-microdissected samples containing a low percentage of tumor cells do not give gene profiles characteristic of cancer, thus validating the RGI approach of microdissecting analytical tumor specimens for the study of cancer biology.

Abstract No 4566: Use of molecular signatures of gastric cancers derived from microarray analysis of paraffin-embedded specimens to predict the degree of response to CPT11/S-1 chemotherapy

Microarray analysis was used to distinguish different levels of drug response in gastric tumors treated with the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor CPT11 and the fluoropyrimidine-based drug S-1. Results identified 186 differentially expressed genes among three different response categories. Hierarchical clustering segregated the partial response, stable disease and progressive disease patients into distinct groups with significant differences in survival. The molecular signature of gastric cancers may therefore identify predictive markers that distinguish patients responsive to CPT11/S-1 chemotherapy, providing a guide to the therapy's use.

Monday, June 2, 8:45 to 9:00 a.m.; E Arie Crown Theater

Abstract No 4503: Use of whole genome expression analysis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to predict prognosis after surgery

To better guide pre- and post-operative treatment of pancreatic cancer patients, this study used gene expression profiling to identify prognostic markers that could stratify patient populations by expected survival time. In the microdissected samples, gene clusters based on outcome identified approximately 300 differentially expressed genes between the long and the short survivor groups. Multiple genes were identified, the expression levels of which strongly correlated with survival duration. These results demonstrate the potential to derive preoperative recurrence risk profiles to help guide patient management in this challenging disease.

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics, Inc. ("RGI"; the "Company") (Nasdaq: RGDX) is engaged in the research and development of pharmacogenomic cancer diagnostic tests based on its proprietary and patented technologies. RGI's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. RGI currently generates revenue primarily from the sales of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The Company was founded in 1999, and its principal headquarters are located in Los Angeles. For more 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 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, the ability of the Company to make its ResponseDx:Lung(TM) and ResponseDX:Colon(TM) tests available in a number of institutions, 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.

Source: Business Wire

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