On-Q-ity To Present Three Abstracts at ASCO Related to Biomarkers to Predict Cancer Therapy Response
Waltham, MA - June 2, 2010 -- On-Q-ity, a next-generation oncology diagnostics company developing personalized tests to improve cancer therapy effectiveness, today announced that it will be presenting three abstracts on the company's biomarker programs highlighting recent progress in creating new diagnostics that will better inform patients and physicians on therapy choice for effective treatment of cancer. These data will be presented at the 2010 Annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting, being held June 4-8, 2010, in Chicago, IL.
"Since we introduced On-Q-ity last year, we have made significant strides in the utilization of DNA repair pathway biomarkers to create innovative diagnostics to help physicians tailor which treatment will be best for cancer patients" said Mara Aspinall, President and CEO of On-Q-ity. "In addition, our proprietary circulating tumor cell (CTC) technology will complement our biomarker diagnostics and take personalized medicine to the next step by monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and the potential for early detection, thereby giving physicians critical information to better prescribe the optimal cancer treatment program."
Abstract No. 53540
"XPF expression in tumors, and XPF single nucleotide polymorphisms, predict clinical outcome in head and neck cancer"
Lead author: A. E. Vaezi
Presentation information: Friday, 6/4, at S406 (Vista Room) from 5-6pm chaired by Ranee Mehra and Cherie-Ann Nathan.
Collaborators from the University of Pittsburgh, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and On-Q-ity demonstrated that the low expression of a particular DNA repair pathway biomarker (XPF) correlated with a better outcome from adjuvant platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. The study strongly suggests that measurement of this particular biomarker has the potential to predict response to a specific chemotherapy.
Abstract No. 10634
"DNA repair biomarker alterations in breast cancer relevant to adjuvant chemotherapy treatment"
Lead author: K. M. Sprott
Presentation information: General Poster Session, Saturday June 5, 8:00 AM to 12:00 P.M. at S Hall A2
A collaborative study between the Helsinki University Central Hospital, Danish Cancer Society, and On-Q-ity showed that DNA repair biomarker differences were evident in breast cancer and may be important determinants of therapy selection.
Abstract No. e11061
"Top2A FISH with cytokeratin discriminators in breast cancer using automated high throughput analysis"
Lead author: D. T. Weaver
Presentation information: Publication-only abstract
A collaborative study between the Helsinki University Central Hospital and On-Q-ity examined Top2A gene amplification as a potential predictor of overall survival in breast cancer.
The abstracts can be accessed through the ASCO website http://www.asco.org/
About On-Q-ity
On-Q-ity is a next-generation diagnostics company transforming cancer treatment through non-invasive diagnostic monitoring. The company is developing innovative diagnostics to identify the unique characteristics of an individual's cancer, predicting the response to therapy, and monitoring the efficacy of treatment. The company's circulating tumor cell and biomarker technologies originated from groundbreaking research at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and MIT. Headquartered in Waltham, MA, On-Q-ity is funded by Atlas Venture, Bessemer Venture Partners, MDV-Mohr Davidow Ventures, Northgate Capital and Physic Ventures.
For more information: www.On-Q-ity.com
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Media contact:
Stephanie Ashe; stephanie@continuumhealthcare.com; 650-728-7087
SOURCE On-Q-ity Inc.