Biocept, Inc. announces the launch of its test to detect RET oncogene fusions from a simple blood draw. Positive identification of patients with the RET gene provides important information in determining therapy options including targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Genetic alterations RET and ROS1 genes were identified in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In initial screening studies using a variety of genotyping techniques, RET and ROS1 rearrangements were each reported in 1-2% of patients with NSCLC. Patients with either RET or ROS1 rearrangements appear to have unique clinical and pathologic features that may facilitate identification and enrichment strategies. These features may in turn expedite enrollment in clinical trials evaluating genotype-directed therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in these rare patient populations. In 2015, Biocept launched a blood-based test to detect the ROS1 biomarker.
"The discovery of RET and ROS1 chromosomal rearrangements involving specific genes in patients with NSCLC has stimulated interest in developing therapies that specifically target these oncogenic fusions," said Veena Singh, M.D., Senior Vice President Senior Medical Director of Biocept. "Genetic alterations in the RET gene involve chromosomal rearrangements that result in the formation of chimeric fusion kinases capable of driving oncogenic transformation and hence offer a potential viable therapeutic target."
"Just like ALK fusions are targeted by Crizotinib, leading to improvements in patients with ALK+ lung cancer, information on RET fusions can provide similar benefits to RET targeted agents," said Michael W. Nall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Biocept. "Many of these emerging biomarkers are not easy to test for in patients with lung cancer due to limited access to tissue biopsies, this is where Biocept's liquid biopsy can make an important contribution to the treatment of patients with cancer."
