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Pangaea Oncology offers Prosigna multigene test to improve molecular diagnosis of breast cancer
Barcelona, October 19, 2017- Pangaea Oncology continues its expansion in the field of multigene molecular diagnostics to improve management of strongly genetic-driven cancers. In line with this commitment, and to mark World Breast Cancer Day, the healthcare company specialized in precision oncology has now made the Prosigna test available to breast cancer patients. Prosigna improves determination of the different subtypes of breast cancer, as well as the risk of recurrence, enabling oncologists to select the best treatment. With this test, Pangaea adds to its range of diagnostic tests in molecular oncology and liquid biopsy, the latter available in routine clinical practice since 2009.
Breast cancer is the most frequent tumor among women in Spain, with 26,500 new cases diagnosed every year. Different molecular subtypes exist according to the genetic alterations that drive tumor growth. These subtypes are associated with prognosis, as well as significantly different rates of progression-free survival. Therefore, their correct determination is an important tool for the oncologist when taking therapeutic decisions and selecting the most effective therapy for each case.
Traditionally, breast tumors are classified according to the expression of hormonal receptors and the HER2 gene, in order to prescribe hormonal or anti-HER2 treatment respectively. However, it has been seen that the expression of other genes is also a factor in response to therapy, tumor aggressiveness or relapse.
Traditional sequential analyses of several genes can lead to delays in diagnosis and, therefore, treatment initiation, or may not be feasible due to lack of material. To overcome these challenges, Pangaea has implemented methodologies for simultaneous analysis of very large panels of genes (multigene analyses). Such tests have the advantage of being more reliable, faster and more affordable than sequential analyses, and require less samples material.
In line with this strategy, Pangea Oncology has now added to its portfolio of services the Prosigna test, currently available in very few laboratories in Spain. This molecular in vitro diagnostic test is based on the analysis of a gene expression profile of 50 genes (a gene signature known as PAM50) of breast tissue to evaluate tumor classification in intrinsic subtypes of the disease and categorize the risk of recurrence up to 10 years from diagnosis. The aim is to have a much more personalized diagnosis each patient. The test is specifically designed to discriminate subtypes with poor prognosis that could benefit from the combination of hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, as well as patients with low risk of recurrence for whom treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy could be avoided.
Pangaea already offers the Prosigna test to patients of the university hospitals Dexeus, General de Catalunya and Sagrat Cor, Quironsalud Group, where it manages the Medical Oncology services through its clinical unit the Dr. Rosell Oncology Institute (IOR).
Another application of multigene tests is the study of possible cases of hereditary cancer. Here tests like Prosigna enable scientists to study, in a short timeframe, several genes associated with high risk of breast cancer. Approximately 10% of cases of breast cancer are hereditary so it is advisable to consult a doctor about the advisability of performing a genetic study in families with several cases of breast or ovarian cancer, especially those occurring in young people.
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