New Jersey-based national laboratory Quest Diagnostics has launched a new genomic test devoted to monitoring the progress of several forms of blood cancer. Known as LeukoVantage, the genomic test focuses on hematologic malignancies. They include acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The test is based on next-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other techniques that are used on blood or bone marrow. It is able to detect the mutations in 30 genes that are most closely connected to myeloid neoplasms. For cases of MPN, LeukoVantage can identify molecular markers that may suggest not only a prognosis, but the use of targeted therapies like JAK2 inhibitors. It can also detect gene mutations in the vast majority of AML patients, allowing oncologists to tailor a treatment plan using induction chemotherapy. And for MDS, the assay can be used to determine how far the disease has progressed. And for AML and MDS, LeukoVantage can be used to determine whether epigenetic modifying drugs may be more fruitful than relying on traditional chemotherapy. “LeukoVantage is an outgrowth of Quest’s commitment to advancing oncology care based on actionable molecular insights,” said Frederick K. Racke, M.D., Quest’s medical director of hematology […]
New Jersey-based national laboratory Quest Diagnostics has launched a new genomic test devoted to monitoring the progress of several forms of blood cancer.
Known as LeukoVantage, the genomic test focuses on hematologic malignancies. They include acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The test is based on next-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other techniques that are used on blood or bone marrow. It is able to detect the mutations in 30 genes that are most closely connected to myeloid neoplasms.
For cases of MPN, LeukoVantage can identify molecular markers that may suggest not only a prognosis, but the use of targeted therapies like JAK2 inhibitors. It can also detect gene mutations in the vast majority of AML patients, allowing oncologists to tailor a treatment plan using induction chemotherapy. And for MDS, the assay can be used to determine how far the disease has progressed. And for AML and MDS, LeukoVantage can be used to determine whether epigenetic modifying drugs may be more fruitful than relying on traditional chemotherapy.
“LeukoVantage is an outgrowth of Quest’s commitment to advancing oncology care based on actionable molecular insights,” said Frederick K. Racke, M.D., Quest’s medical director of hematology oncology, in a statement. “There is growing evidence that several genetic alterations involved in myeloid neoplasms not only provide significant diagnostic and prognostic value, but may also help guide treatment decisions. LeukoVantage builds from the latest science and Quest’s deep experience in genomics and hematology to deliver insights that can help the physician potentially diagnose the patient more quickly and reliably and establish an appropriate treatment plan.”
About 156,000 new cases of blood-related cancers are diagnosed in the United States annually, with about 55,000 deaths each year. Company officials indicated the launch of LeukoVantage was in part an extension of its launch of OncoVantage last year in collaboration with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Takeaway: Quest Diagnostics is upping its game on the detection and treatment of hematologic cancers.
