Exiqon Dx Annonces BRAF Mutation Analysis for Predicting Therapeutic Responce in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Exiqon Diagnostics Announces BRAF Mutation Analysis for Predicting Therapeutic
Response in Colorectal Cancer Patients 

Exiqon announced today that it now offers BRAF Mutation Analysis through its
CLIA laboratory in California.  Cancer treating physicians now have access to
this critical test for their advanced stage colorectal cancer patients who are
candidates for anti-EGFR targeted therapy. A recent clinical study correlates
the presence of BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer tumors with lack of patient
response to cetuximab and panitumumab therapy.1 

In the United States, there are approximately 150,000 new colorectal cancer
cases diagnosed each year.2 Many of these patients may present with advanced
disease. In those cases, confirmed BRAF mutation status is important
information for physicians to have when deciding on a treatment regimen.
Results of the BRAF Mutation Analysis can help oncologists determine if their
colorectal cancer patients are appropriate candidates for cetuximab or
panitumumab therapy. 

BRAF testing is important because it can identify the subset of colorectal
cancer patients who do not have a mutated KRAS gene yet still do not respond to
anti-EGFR therapy. Non-responsiveness in this subset of patients is most likely
due to the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene. Testing patients for both KRAS and
BRAF provides a more complete analysis of the patient's tumor when evaluating
candidates for anti-EGFR therapy. 

“We are pleased to offer both BRAF and KRAS mutation testing for our clients so
that they may gain a more complete picture of the patient's tumor before
targeted therapy is initiated,” said Doug Harrington, M.D., Medical Director,
Exiqon Diagnostics. “BRAF Mutation Analysis is an important new molecular
diagnostic assay that can help physicians determine which advanced stage
colorectal cancer patients are appropriate candidates for treatment with
cetuximab or panitumumab. Those patients who have the BRAF mutation would most
likely not respond and should not be treated with those ineffective and
expensive anti-EGFR agents.” 

BRAF Mutation Analysis enhances the growing molecular diagnostics test menu
available at Exiqon Diagnostics.  Additional targeted molecular profiling
assays are currently in development and will be launched later this year to
help physicians more effectively guide treatment decisions.  BRAF testing is
just one of the many molecular biomarkers available to help physicians
personalize therapeutic treatment plans. 

To learn more about BRAF Mutation Analysis, please visit
www.exiqondiagnostics.com. 

Laboratory testing performed by Oncotech, Inc. (dba Exiqon Diagnostics) a
wholly owned subsidiary of Exiqon A/S. 

Additional information 
R. Erik Holmlin, CCO, tel. +1-714-566-0470
Exiqon Diagnostics Client Services, tel. +1-800-662-6832

See full press release in the attached pdf.