LYNDHURST, N.J., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
(NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic laboratory testing,
information and services, announced today that it has developed a new gene-
based assay to help physicians identify metastatic Cancers of Unknown Primary
origin (CUP). This laboratory-developed assay is currently available to
physicians through Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, the company's esoteric
testing laboratory, in San Juan Capistrano, California, which validated and
introduced the test. The assay is based upon intellectual property licensed
from Arcturus BioScience, Inc.
The CUP assay is intended to aid the physician in identifying the primary
site of origin of Cancers of Unknown Primary for 39 tumor types, establishing
prognosis, and determining appropriate therapy.
"Understanding where the cancer started is a vital piece of information
for pathologists, oncologists and patients," said Joyce G. Schwartz, M.D.,
Vice President and Chief Laboratory Officer. "With information about the
source of the cancer, physicians will be better able to determine prognosis
and appropriate therapy. Earlier identification of the primary tumor could
increase the odds of successful cancer treatment and overall survival."(1)
CUP refers to metastatic cancer in which cancer cells are found somewhere
in the body, but the place of origin where they first started growing cannot
be identified from physical examination, pathologic analysis or other forms of
diagnostic testing. CUP is estimated to represent 3% - 15% of newly diagnosed
cancers.(2) An estimated 70,000 new CUP patients are diagnosed each year and
prognosis is typically poor.
The new test for Cancer of Unknown Primary will significantly reduce the
amount of time it takes for pathologists and oncologists to assess CUP
patients. Currently, without a true diagnostic for CUP, evaluating CUP
patients using conventional diagnostic approaches based on imaging, biopsy,
endoscopic and laboratory tests is a slow and costly process, typically taking
several weeks or months and yielding limited success - identifying only 25% of
primary cancers.(3) With the new CUP test, test results are available to
physicians within two weeks.
The new CUP test uses gene expression profiling of biopsy tissue to
determine the primary tumor site. Using the patient's biopsy specimen, gene
expression profiles are generated for 92 genes using PCR methodology. The
patient's gene expression profiles are compared to an in-house reference
database comprising gene expression profiles from 39 known tumor types. Based
on this comparison, the most likely site of origin is determined. Study
results indicate that the test provides 82% sensitivity for identifying the
site of origin in cancer of unknown primary and 99% specificity.(4)
For more information about the CUP test, physicians can call Nichols
Institute toll-free at 1-800-642-4657, extension 2906.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services that patients and doctors need to make better
healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic
testing services through its national network of laboratories and patient
service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive
medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing
innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology
solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is
available at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com.
The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, competitive environment, changes in
government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers,
suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2004 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
(1) Abbruzzese et al, J. Clin Oncol, (August) 1995: pp 2094 - 2103
(2) Ibid.
(3) Ibid.
(4) Erlander MG, Patel R, Raja R, et al. Molecular classification of 39
cancer subtypes with a gene panel: implications for diagnosis of
carcinoma of unknown primary. Paper presented at : 11th Annual
Meeting of the Association for Molecular Pathology, November 11,
2005, Scottsdale, AZ.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics
CONTACT: Media - Jennifer Somers, +1-201-729-8386,
Investors - Laure
Park, +1-201-393-5030/6357