|
|
Current and Breaking News for Professionals, Consumers and Media |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current and Breaking News for Professionals, Consumers and Media |
|
|
|
|
|
The test checks tumors for a mutation in the gene, KRAS (pronounced K-ras), said Timothy Greiner, M.D., professor of pathology/microbiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and medical director of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at The Nebraska Medical Center. “If the mutation exists, oncologists know which treatment to use,” Dr. Greiner said. “This is an evolutionary change in the way we manage cancer. With this test, we can predict how patients’ cancers may respond to treatment.” Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second leading cancer killer in the United States. But, if everyone aged 50 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. KRAS is an oncogene, a certain type of protein that’s part of a signal chain found in normal cells. When the chain is switched ‘on,’ the cell divides or grows; when it’s switched ‘off,’ growth stops. But, when KRAS mutates, the chain stays on and activates a signal for indefinite cell growth – or cancer. Tumors with mutations in the KRAS gene do not respond well to the new monoclonal antibody therapies that target the epithelial growth factor receptor pathway, a treatment found effective in some colon cancers. “The KRAS test is an example of the new era of pharmacogenetics or personalized molecular medicine testing, where an individual’s tumor is tested to determine the best care for the patient,” Dr. Greiner said. Established in 1996, the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory performs more than 28,000 tests per year and is the fastest growing division in the medical center’s Pathology Laboratories. As part of personalized medicine, the lab tests a patient’s sensitivity to certain drugs or identifies genetic targets that allow for customized treatment. KRAS is one example of how molecular tests are starting to impact patient care. Other examples include determination of patient response to: Coumadin, a blood thinner medication; Tegretol, an anti-seizure medicine; and Abicavir, an anti-HIV medication. In addition to identifying sensitivity to drugs, the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory measures the number of copies of the abnormal chromosome translocation called BCR-ABL in chronic myelogenous leukemia. This is important for evaluating the effectiveness of GLEEVEC therapy in patients with this leukemia. “We think this is just the beginning of what patients and doctors will benefit from in the coming years,” Dr. Greiner said. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu. Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7. HealthNewsDigest.com Top of Page 
|
Contact
Us | Job Listings
| Help | Site
Map | About Us
Advertising
Information | HND
Press Release | Submit
Information | Disclaimer
Site hosted by Sanchez Productions
