EANS-News: Epigenomics Biomarker Predicts Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer
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Company Information/Research & Development/molecular diagnostics
Berlin, Germany, and Seattle, WA, U.S.A., January 5, 2012 (euro adhoc) -
Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX), the German-American cancer
molecular diagnostics company, is pleased to announce the publication of a study
authored by Professor Matthias Ebert at University of Heidelberg entitled
"TFAP2E-DKK4 and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer" in the January edition of
The New England Journal of Medicine.
In this study involving more than 200 patients in four independent cohorts,
Professor Ebert and his team demonstrated that hypermethylation of the TFAP2E
gene was correlated with non-responsiveness to the commonly used
chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
Furthermore, using a combination of data from cancer cell lines and patient
samples, the authors demonstrated that this effect was potentially mediated
through up-regulation of the DKK4 gene, previously implicated in 5-FU
resistance.Resistance to treatment was observed with 5-FU based chemotherapy or
5-FU chemotherapy combined with radiation, indicating that TFAP2E methylation
may be a valuable biomarker for response prediction in either setting.
Epigenomics co-author, Dr. Cathy Lofton-Day commented that "This is one of the
first studies to identify a methylation based biomarker for resistance to
chemotherapy, and may provide caregivers with information to allow a more
informed choice of 5-FU based chemotherapy treatment selection for patients with
colorectal cancer".
The study represents an important step forward in the growing role that
biomarkers can play in the management of cancer and other diseases. Professor
Ebert commented: "In practical terms, we believe this study demonstrates the
potential that novel DNA methylation biomarkers may have in improving the
selection of therapies for this deadly disease. A prospective validation of the
marker is, however, still required".
Epigenomics believes that this study demonstrates the potential of TFAP2E and
other biomarkers identified in Epigenomics' DNA methylation discovery pipeline
in supporting clinical decision making.
- Ends -
Further Information
Contact Epigenomics AG
Antje Zeise
Manager IR | PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 368
ir@epigenomics.comwww.epigenomics.com
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics (www.epigenomics.com) is a molecular diagnostics company developing
and commercializing a pipeline of proprietary products for cancer. The Company's
products enable doctors to diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately, leading
to improved outcomes for patients. Epigenomics' lead product, Epi proColon®, is
a blood-based test for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is
currently marketed in Europe and is in development for the U.S.A. The Company's
technology and products have been validated through multiple partnerships with
leading global diagnostic companies including Abbott, QIAGEN, Sysmex, and Quest
Diagnostics. Epigenomics is an international company with operations in Europe
and the U.S.A.
Epigenomics legal disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking
statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its business. Such statements involve
certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could
cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of
Epigenomics AG to be materially different from any future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not
undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.
The information contained in this communication does not constitute nor imply an
offer to sell or transfer any product, and no product based on this technology
is currently available for sale by Epigenomics in the United States or Canada.
The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any Epigenomics
product based on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the
U.S. have not been established.
Further inquiry note:
Antje Zeise | CIRO
Manager IR/PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel: +49 30 24345 386
antje.zeise@epigenomics.com
end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: Epigenomics AG
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 1
D-10178 Berlin
phone: +49 30 24345-0
FAX: +49 30 24345-555
mail: ir@epigenomics.com
WWW: http://www.epigenomics.com
sector: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A1K0516
indexes: Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin,
Hamburg, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, München
language: English