NeoGenomics Reports that its NeoLAB® Liquid Biopsy Prostate Test is More Accurate than Conventional Biopsies in Predicting High Grade Prostate Cancer
FT. MYERS, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 05/15/17 -- NeoGenomics, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEO), a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services, announced the presentation of results of a new clinical trial demonstrating that the sensitivity of its NeoLAB® Liquid Biopsy Prostatetest was 97% in predicting the presence of high grade prostate cancer (equivalent to a Gleason Score of 7 or higher), while the sensitivity of conventional biopsies in this study was 78%. The data, which was presented this past weekend at the American Urological Association (AUA) 2017 Annual meeting, indicates that the NeoLAB® Prostate test can be useful in determining which patients should enter into active surveillance programs.
In the blinded prospective clinical trial of 306 patients, NeoGenomics compared the results of its NeoLAB® Prostate test to biopsy results and to prostatectomy results for each patient. The NeoLAB® Prostate test was significantly more accurate in predicting the presence of advanced prostate cancer than conventional biopsy when the prostate was examined upon prostatectomy.
According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts and Figures 2017, approximately 161,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually with approximately 27,000 deaths from prostate cancer occurring each year. Prostate biopsy testing is commonly used to determine the presence or absence of aggressive prostate cancer. However, it is well documented that conventional prostate biopsy testing is frequently inaccurate and not representative of actual prostate cancer due to sampling errors. Studies have shown that in patients with prostate cancer, the level of aggressiveness (grade) is upgraded or downgraded in 30% to 40% of the cases upon examination of the actual prostate as a result of a prostatectomy. This means that some high grade prostate cancers go untreated and some low grade cancers are treated unnecessarily.
Dr. Maher Albitar, the Company's Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research and Development, commented, "Today, a major concern for patients and treating physicians is inadvertently enrolling patients with high grade cancer into active surveillance protocols because of sampling errors in biopsies, when they might be better served by beginning aggressive treatment. Thus, confirming the grade of prostate cancer prior to putting patients on active surveillance, and monitoring patients for any change in grade while under active surveillance, are very important."
Dr. Albitar continued, "Our findings not only confirm the reliability of our test in predicting the presence of high grade prostate cancer, but also suggest that our test should be used as an adjunct to biopsy testing for patients being considered for active surveillance. We believe our NeoLAB® Prostate test provides a non-invasive and simple means of testing to confirm the grade of cancer that will enable physicians to make more informed decisions about the selection, monitoring and management of their prostate cancer patients."
Douglas M. VanOort, NeoGenomics' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated "Our NeoLAB® Liquid Biopsy Prostate test can be very helpful in determining initiation or continuation of an active surveillance protocol for patients with prostate cancer. This is a new indication for this test and an important reason for physicians to utilize the NeoLAB® Prostate test. Development of this cutting-edge test, which is available now for ordering, confirms our commitment to innovation and our leadership in developing new clinically-reliable tests for cancer detection and management."
A copy of the poster presented to the American Urological Association can be accessed on NeoGenomics Website at http://neogenomics.com/portals/0/pdf/Posters/AUA-2017-Prostate-17-7049-NeoGenomics-Albitar-M.pdf.
About NeoGenomics, Inc.
NeoGenomics, Inc. specializes in cancer genetics testing and information services. The Company provides one of the most comprehensive oncology-focused testing menus in the world for Physicians to help them diagnose and treat cancer. The Company's Pharma Services division serves pharmaceutical clients in clinical trials and drug development.
Headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, NeoGenomics operates CLIA certified laboratories in Aliso Viejo, Fresno, Irvine, and West Sacramento, California; Tampa and Fort Myers, Florida; Houston, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee. NeoGenomics serves the needs of pathologists, oncologists, academic centers, hospital systems, integrated service delivery networks, and managed care organizations throughout the United States. For additional information about NeoGenomics, visit www.neogenomics.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in the foregoing are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from such statements expressed or implied herein. Factors that might cause such a difference include, among others, the company's ability to continue gaining new customers, offer new types of tests, and otherwise implement its business plan. As a result, this press release should be read in conjunction with the company's periodic filings with the SEC.
For further information, please contact:
NeoGenomics, Inc.
Steven C. Jones
Executive Vice President & Dir. of Investor Relations
(239) 325-2001
Source: NeoGenomics, Inc.
Released May 15, 2017