Genetic test aims to simplify care for certain blood cancer patients
Caris ChromoSeq targets myeloid malignancies with combination approach
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Caris Life Sciences has developed a genetic test that aims to simplify care for people with a group of blood cancers known as myeloid malignancies.
“This launch reflects our commitment to delivering a single, integrated genomic solution for patients with [blood] cancers that fits into real‑world clinical workflows and provides results fast enough to inform patient care,” Matthew Oberley, MD, PhD, senior vice president, chief clinical officer, and pathologist-in-chief at Caris, said in a company press release.
The Caris ChromoSeq test combines whole-genome sequencing, which determines the exact genetic code stored within a cell’s DNA, with whole-transcriptome tumor profiling.
When genes are activated, the genetic code is copied from the cell’s DNA into another molecule called RNA. Depending on the gene, the RNA will either serve as a template to make a protein or exert other regulatory effects within the cell. Transcriptome profiling determines the sequences of RNA molecules in cells. So by pairing genome sequencing with transcriptome profiling, Caris’ new test aims to determine not only the cancer cells’ genetic code but also their genetic activity.
One-stop shop for genetic testing
“The Caris ChromoSeq launch provides an unprecedented amount of genomic and transcriptomic data per patient, enabling a complete diagnostic evaluation in a single test. Never before have patients and physicians had access to a technology with the depth and breadth provided by Caris ChromoSeq,” Oberley said.
Myeloid malignancies are blood cancers marked by the uncontrolled growth of a subset of blood cells called myeloid cells. The Caris CromoSeq test is specifically designed for use in patients with confirmed diagnoses of acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, or myeloproliferative neoplasms. The test may also be suitable for some patients who are being evaluated for suspected myeloid malignancy.
According to Caris, myeloid malignancies “are among the most genetically complex cancers.” Patients often need to undergo multiple genetic tests to identify mutations that can be targeted by available treatments, and this need for multiple tests can delay treatment and place an unnecessary burden on patients. The new test aims to provide a one-stop shop for myeloid malignancy genetic testing, simplifying treatment.
