Proteome Sciences and Buck Institute to Develop Biomarker Tests to Improve Breast Cancer Treatment

Proteome Sciences plc (“Proteome”) a global leader in biomarkers will collaborate with Buck Institute for Research on Aging (“Buck”) to develop personalized molecular tests for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) aimed at improving outcomes in breast cancer.

Under the agreement, Proteome will support development of clinical mass spectrometry assays measuring molecular changes in ERα that have been shown to be associated with response to anti-estrogen therapies in breast cancer. At present, 80% of breast cancers are characterized by increased expression of ERα which can be treated with therapies such as tamoxifen. However, over one third of ERα positive patients never respond to treatment and of those who do respond, 30-50% become resistant during treatment. There is currently no way of reliably measuring these changes.

The Principal Investigator at the Buck Institute, Professor Chris Benz, MD commented:

“In recent years we have begun to understand the role that certain proteins play in the evolution and response to treatment of breast cancer. In particular, we have been studying how tumours become resistant to our most commonly used therapeutics like the anti-estrogen tamoxifen. Our proteomics and interdisciplinary research at the Buck Institute has led to the identification of key post-translational modifications (PTMs) in ERα that lead to drug resistance. Because PTM’s cannot be detected or predicted by genomic tests, mass spectrometry is used to detect PTM’s directly in the tumour. With Proteome’s support and expertise, we expect to rapidly translate this into routine tests that significantly improve the predictive clinical value of this important breast cancer biomarker.”

Dr. Ian Pike, COO of Proteome Sciences added:

“Clinical oncologists urgently need better tools to select the most effective treatments in breast cancer and to monitor a patient’s response to a specified course of treatment. We are delighted to be working with the Benz group at the Buck Institute to develop mass spectrometry tests for early detection and monitoring of drug resistance, addressing this critically important unmet need.”

“By combining our expertise, we will be able to rapidly convert fundamental scientific research into targeted protein assay products enabling better treatment choices through biomarker-guided selection of the most appropriate targeted therapies. Together with regular monitoring of resistance markers during treatment, the outcome for breast cancer patients will significantly improve.”

“It is a key part of our business to combine our protein biomarker expertise and techniques with the best clinical research from around the world to deliver innovative new clinical tests. We provide early access to a growing range of these tests and services through our PS Biomarker Services™ Division.”