Precede Biosciences Reveals Breakthrough Liquid Biopsy Assay
Precede Biosciences Unveils Innovative Liquid Biopsy Assay with Promising Results
Precede Biosciences has revealed compelling outcomes for its revolutionary liquid biopsy assay, which can determine HER2 status in various cancers and predict oestrogen receptor (ER) status in breast cancer. These breakthrough findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago. The assay accurately assessed HER2 status in 172 patients across different cancers and ER status in 87 breast cancer patients, offering a minimally invasive method to guide treatment decisions for HER2 and ER positive cancers. Unlike traditional blood tests that detect individual mutations, Precede Bio's approach measures epigenetic changes in cancer cells using only 1mL of plasma, providing deeper insights into tumor biology. The technology, which initially received $57 million in seed funding, also demonstrates potential in diagnosing autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus, extending its impact beyond oncology.
Key Takeaways
- Precede Bio's liquid biopsy assay accurately assesses HER2 status in 172 patients across multiple cancers.
- The assay also predicts oestrogen receptor (ER) status and pathway activity in 87 breast cancer patients.
- Presented at ASCO, the assay measures epigenetic changes using just 1mL of plasma.
- The minimally invasive test could guide treatment for HER2 and ER positive cancers.
- Beyond oncology, the assay may detect changes in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Analysis
Precede Biosciences' liquid biopsy assay, which discerns HER2 and ER status through epigenetic changes, represents a significant breakthrough in cancer diagnostics. This minimally invasive method, using only 1mL of plasma, not only enhances treatment guidance for HER2 and ER positive cancers but also opens avenues for diagnosing autoimmune diseases. The precision and broad applicability of this technology could disrupt conventional biopsy methods and influence healthcare strategies globally. Financial implications encompass potential investment growth in diagnostic technology and shifts in healthcare spending towards more targeted therapies. In the long term, this innovation could pave the way for personalized medicine to become the standard, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Did You Know?
- Liquid Biopsy Assay: A liquid biopsy is a non-invasive test that uses a sample of blood to detect cancer by analyzing free-floating cancer cells or fragments of tumor DNA in the bloodstream. This method assesses genetic mutations, biomarkers, and other molecular characteristics of cancer, aiding in diagnosis, treatment selection, and monitoring of disease progression.
- HER2 Status: HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) is a protein involved in the growth and division of cancer cells. HER2 status refers to the presence or absence of an excess of this protein in cancer cells, which is a significant factor in determining the prognosis and treatment strategy for certain types of cancers, particularly breast cancer. HER2-positive cancers are typically more aggressive and respond to specific targeted therapies.
- Epigenetic Changes: Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by various factors such as age, environment, and lifestyle. In cancer, epigenetic changes can lead to the activation of oncogenes or the silencing of tumor suppressor genes, contributing to cancer development and progression. Measuring these changes can provide insights into tumor biology and potentially guide personalized treatment strategies.