GRAND RAPIDS – The Center for Molecular

Medicine announced it is one of the first laboratories in the

nation to offer a new test to help guide the treatment of metastatic

colorectal cancer.

The CMM is offering the CellSearch System from

Veridex to physicians as a vital new tool in managing

patients with metastatic CRC.

Recently approved by the FDA for the monitoring of CRC, the CellSearch

System identifies and counts circulating tumor cells in a blood

sample to predict progression-free and overall-survival in patients, and

can do so earlier than the current standard of care.

Testing for CTCs with the CellSearch System, in conjunction with other

clinical methods for monitoring, can help physicians assess disease

progression, thereby guiding more informed care decisions earlier. The CMM

began providing FDA-approved CellSearch testing services for metastatic

breast cancer patients earlier this year.

The CellSearch System is the first diagnostic test to automatically

identify and count CTCs, cancer cells that detach from solid tumors and

enter the bloodstream. The system’s specificity, sensitivity and

reproducibility allow assessment of CTCs as early as the first cycle of

treatment to help evaluate disease progression sooner.

According to the American Cancer Society, CRC claims approximately

55,000 lives annually, the vast majority of which are a result of recurrent

metastatic disease. Metastatic CRC occurs when tumor cells spread to other

locations in the body and grow. Although there are several options for the

treatment of metastatic CRC, oncologists often have to wait months before

they can determine if a specific treatment has been beneficial to the

patient.

“We are very pleased to be able to add CellSearch colorectal cancer

testing to our growing menu of cutting-edge diagnostic services available

to physicians. The CellSearch cancer tests represent an important advance

in how breast and colorectal cancer can be detected and managed over the

long term,” said CMM Executive Director Dr. Daniel H. Farkas. “It’s an

important new capability for the region’s medical community, and another

significant step forward in the growth of the CMM as a unique resource in

the rapidly expanding field of molecular medicine.”

The CellSearch System, which is distributed by Veridex, a Johnson &

Johnson company, was cleared by the FDA in January 2004 as an in vitro

diagnostic test to aid in the identifying and counting of CTCs in a blood

sample. Pricing for the test is $495 and CMM is working with area insurance

providers regarding coverage.

Physicians interested in obtaining more

Information should click on CMMDX.Org/Physicians

a>>