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A recent phase III clinical trial confirmed that the VeriStrat test can predict which lung cancer patients are likely to fare better when treated with EGFR inhibitors like erlotinib (Tarceva). Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were tested using VeriStrat before beginning Tarceva treatment. Those who had a VeriStrat result of “Good” experienced longer times without cancer growth and longer overall survival on Tarceva compared to those with a “Bad” result. VeriStrat results may help doctors distinguish patients who should be given EGFR inhibitors from those for whom the benefits would not outweigh the side effects, and who would be better served by other treatments. VeriStrat does not test for mutations in the EGFR gene. Instead, the test assesses the pattern of several proteins in the blood to pinpoint patients likely to respond to EGFR inhibitors, including patients who may not have an EGFR mutation.
Via Cancer Commons
Xconomy | June 3, 2013
Some interesting data out of ASCO using protien signatures in the blood to help develop personalized medicine for lung cancer patients. Article excerpt follows:
The results from the Phase 3 trial announced today, shows it can make that difference, in a prospective study, which means that patients got the Biodesix test, were treated based on its recommendation, and followed over time to see if they ended up any better off. Passing that kind of rigorous study, should greatly expands the commercial potential for VeriStrat, Brunel said.
“VeriStrat has been commercially available for several years, but adoption has been limited…. This could lead to widespread adoption,” Brunel said.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 220,000 Americans per year are diagnosed with lung cancer, and about 85-90 percent have non-small cell lung cancer.
Biodesix will now build a national sales team and develop its marketing to try to capitalize on VeriStrat’s commercial potential, which could improve as the federal government is expected to reach a decision soon about whether it will be covered by Medicare.