PathGroup Launches SmartGenomics Heme Profile for Genetic Profiling of Hematologic Malignancies

New profile includes next-generation DNA sequencing of 77 clinicall actionable genes mutated in hematolymphoid cancers

PathGroup, one of the largest private providers of pathology services in the United States, has announced the launch of the SmartGenomics™ Heme Profile, which provides genomic profiling and information for patients that have failed or been unsuccessful on repeated therapy for the group of cancers that include leukemias, lymphomas and myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic diseases. The newly launched offering is based on collaboration between PathGroup, GenoSpace and the IP & Science business of Thomson Reuters.

The SmartGenomics™ Heme Profile includes Next-Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) of 77 clinically actionable genes mutated in hematolymphoid cancers and is complemented by Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) for whole genome level identification of chromosomal copy number changes and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Results provide the treating oncologist with prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic information, as well as available clinical trial options.

Prevalence estimates from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Cancer Statistics Review1, indicate that there are approximately one million individuals in the country that are living with a diagnosis of Hodgkin disease, leukemia, multiple myeloma, or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in addition to myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic diseases. Up to 50% of these diseases ultimately are refractory to treatment. Furthermore, many of these malignancies are increasing in incidence and pose a significant health care burden.

“When PathGroup committed to providing genomic profiling to community oncologists and researchers, we understood early in the development process that independent interrogation of cancers originating in the bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system, would be an imperative complement to any exploration of solid tumors,” stated Ben Davis, MD, Chairman, President and CEO of PathGroup. “As was the case when we released SmartGenomics for solid tumors, we will continue to rely on the exceptional data aggregation and reporting that GenoSpace and Thomson Reuters afford PathGroup in modeling a best-in-class precision oncology offering.”

“The GenoSpace team has been honored to work with PathGroup and is impressed with their approach to developing an integrated personalized medicine offering,” said John Quackenbush, PhD, CEO of GenoSpace. “We are pleased to see PathGroup expand its use of the GenoSpace FullView™ platform to integrate and interpret complex genomic, clinical and demographic information to benefit patients with hematologic malignancies.”

Further, Joseph Donahue, senior vice president, Thomson Reuters Life Sciences commented, “Thomson Reuters is committed to collaborating with innovative organizations like PathGroup and GenoSpace to deliver valuable, new solutions for Life Science clinicians. The latest phase of our work with these partners, in providing patient-specific genomic intelligence for stratifying cancers, is rooted in the high quality, curated content in Cortellis™, and brings us closer to finding more precise treatments and therapies for oncology patients, regardless of their tumor type or disease.”

1 Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Garshell J, Neyman N, Altekruse SF, Kosary CL, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Cho H, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2010, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2010/, based on November 2012 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2013.