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Quest Diagnostics launches tests to assess status of leukemia and lymphoma in using blood plasma

06-22-2006

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX) launches the first of its Leumeta cancer testing assays, a new family of laboratory-developed tests that may, in the future, provide an alternative to painful bone marrow biopsies.

Quest Diagnostics developed Leumeta to identify and analyze genetic components of leukemia and lymphoma tumors using blood plasma instead of bone marrow. The assays are designed to measure "tumor load," or the amount of cancer in a patient; detect certain blood cancer markers; and assist the physician in monitoring the impact of treatment. They are the first diagnostic assays available to doctors that directly measure tumor load and identify markers in blood plasma.

While conventional tests look for cancer cells in bone marrow or, in certain cases, peripheral blood, Leumeta cancer assays track genetic components of leukemia and lymphoma tumors, including messenger RNA, DNA and protein in blood plasma - the liquid portion of the blood.

Studies performed at Quest Diagnostics and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in December 2005 showed that information about tumor load and blood cancer markers of leukemia and lymphoma tumors is contained in blood plasma. Sample collection for these Leumeta assays does not require the painful extraction of bone marrow cells with a large-bore needle through the hipbone.

Developed by a team of researchers at Quest Diagnostics using licensed technology discovered by one of the researchers while previously at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Leumeta cancer assays are available to physicians and oncology programs nationwide through Quest Diagnostics.

Leumeta cancer assays look for a variety of clinical disease markers in blood plasma to assist the physician in diagnosing and monitoring major types of leukemia and lymphoma. For example, as one study indicates, one of the tests identifies a protein tumor marker called the bcr-abl fusion protein that signals how well chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients are responding to treatment. Another assay in the family, called ABL kinase domain mutation, plasma-based, Leumeta, reveals genetic mutations of the ABL gene that suggest a more aggressive form of leukemia or may be indicative of resistance to therapy.

Quest Diagnostics is a provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.