Prognostic Markers Identified for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The HemeScan bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)-based test for chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been clinically validated.

The test is designed to detect prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is now available to the clinical community. The test identifies all of the known prognostic genomic imbalances relevant to the clinical course of CLL, including deletions of 17p involving the p53 tumor suppressor gene and/or the deletion of 13q14.

CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics (CMDX; Mukilteo, WA, USA), a subsidiary of Acacia Research Corp.'s CombiMatrix group, completed the clinical validation of the first of its HemeScan suite of BAC array CGH-based tests. By replacing the time-consuming and often subjective manual enumeration of several fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probe signals, HemeScan offers an innovative approach to prognosis at diagnosis; hence better disease management.

CLL is the most common adult leukemia in the western hemisphere. There are approximately 10,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year with approximately 150,000 patients living with the disease at any given time. Patients diagnosed with CLL exhibit highly variable clinical courses, with some progressing rapidly to aggressive disease and death, while others exhibit an indolent state throughout the greater part of their normal life expectancy. Hence, the concept of prognosis at diagnosis is particularly relevant in CLL. Genomic aberrations have an impact on the clinical course, and knowledge of these enables a personalized course of treatment.

"Our HemeScan for CLL prognostic markers is the first CMDX oncology product from our HemeScan suite and is expected to be followed by additional hematology/oncology tests shortly,' said Dr. Shelley Gunn, medical director of Combimatrix Molecular Diagnostics. "Our entry into the cancer-prognostic arena comes on the heels of intense research and further highlights the powerful strategic value of our partnership with the world-renowned Center for Applied Genomics in Toronto.”



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