DxS launches PI3K mutation test for cancer drug trials
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
DxS has launched a test to detect mutations in the PIK3CA oncogene, for use in clinical trials of cancer drugs. "We would expect that most, if not all companies developing drugs that target the EGFR pathway in breast cancer would want to assess this particular oncogene," the Manchester, UK firm's CEO Stephen Little said, as these mutations are seen in up to 40% of breast cancer patients. He hopes that the biomarker will prove useful, "and at that time we will translate this from a research tool into a companion diagnostic". This will probably take two to three years, he said, depending on the timing of clinical trials. PI3K mutations could also predict tamoxifen sensitivity or resistance, but this has not been confirmed.