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Gene mutation analysis service

Lab21, a provider of healthcare diagnostic products and services, has expanded its cancer gene testing service by adding an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation test to its existing range.

The recent introduction of drugs for colorectal cancer has highlighted the emergence of companion diagnostics as a prerequisite to drug prescription in order to tailor therapies to specific patients. Vectibix and Erbitux require analysis of the KRAS gene in the tumour prior to therapy and Lab21 recently launched its KRAS mutational analysis service in the UK.

Clinical data suggest that patients with mutations in their EGFR gene may not respond to inhibitor drugs in cancer treatment because antibodies and small-molecule drugs cannot bind to the receptor. This means that the receptor is not inhibited, and treatments such as gefitinib and erlotinib may not work.

Dr Berwyn Clarke from Lab21 commented: “Recent data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting have shown just how important companion diagnostics are becoming. As more medicines are developed with associated biomarker information, the provision of high-technology molecular diagnostics will become an essential clinical requirement. We are committed to offering high-quality, fast-turnaround services to our clients in order to meet this need.”

www.lab21.com

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