Orion Genomics Announces The Discovery Of Novel Breast Cancer Biomarkers

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Genetics;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 22 Dec 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Orion Genomics announced the discovery and validation of the most frequent DNA alterations detected in breast cancer to date. The results of a genome wide analysis of DNA methylation appeared in PLoS ONE. The study entitled, "Identification of Novel High Frequency DNA Methylation Changes in Breast Cancer" found more than 50 novel biomarkers, which were subsequently validated in up to 230 independent patient samples.

"Our study identified novel biomarkers that were individually capable of distinguishing early stage ductal breast cancer from normal and benign breast tissue," commented Jared Ordway, Ph.D., Director of Research and Development at Orion Genomics. "We are very excited about the potential of these findings as these biomarkers may be critical in the development of molecular diagnostics for the early detection of breast cancer."

Researchers applied a patented microarray-based approach to map tumor associated changes in DNA methylation, alterations that can affect normal gene expression. A single locus associated with the GHSR gene was the most powerful biomarker in the study, with a clinical sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 96% for infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. In addition to identifying biomarkers that might aid in the detection of breast cancer, the research revealed insights into the molecular mechanism of tumor development, which may lead to advances in breast cancer treatment.

"Twelve of our more than fifty breast cancer biomarkers exceeded the highest sensitivity previously reported for the stratification of tumor and normal tissue," added Nathan D. Lakey, President and CEO of Orion Genomics. "These results validate our biomarker discovery platform and our product pipeline, which is focused on breast, lung and ovarian cancer diagnostics."

About Orion Genomics

Orion Genomics, the Second Code biotechnology company, develops genomic research tools and molecular diagnostic products to detect cancer at its earliest stages and to aid in appropriate therapy selection. The company has active biomarker discovery programs in cancers of the bladder, breast, lung, ovaries and colon. Orion Genomics is located in the Center for Emerging Technologies in St. Louis. For more information, visit http://www.oriongenomics.com.

Orion Genomics
http://www.oriongenomics.com