#USA #Los Angeles #pancreatic cancer #Pharus Diagnostics #OncoSweep

Pharus Diagnostics Innovates Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

In a major breakthrough in cancer diagnostics, Pharus Diagnostics LLC (PharusDx) has announced the availability of its latest product, the OncoSweep™ Pancreas Spotlight. This innovative liquid biopsy test is designed to enhance the early detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a notoriously aggressive cancer known for its poor prognosis. The test works by analyzing a simple blood sample to identify specific microRNA and CA19-9 biomarkers associated with the disease, utilizing advanced next-generation sequencing technology and a proprietary machine learning framework.

The launch of the OncoSweep™ Pancreas Spotlight marks a pivotal advancement in PharusDx’s commitment to non-invasive cancer diagnostics. The company entered into a significant collaboration in January 2024 with the City of Hope, one of the foremost cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. This partnership allowed them to incorporate an exclusive panel of microRNA biomarkers which has demonstrated substantial promise for the early identification of PDAC, thus transforming translational research findings into a practical clinical application through this Laboratory Developed Test (LDT).

The Importance of Early Detection

PharusDx’s CEO, Philip Huang, expressed excitement over the successful validation of their pancreatic cancer miRNA biomarker panel, highlighting the completion of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) validation as a significant milestone. The early detection of PDAC is critical, as most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to vague and non-specific symptoms, which drastically reduces five-year survival rates to around 3% if diagnosed at stage IV. However, catching the disease at stage I can improve survival rates to over 40%.

Patients at increased risk of developing PDAC include those with genetic predispositions such as Lynch syndrome and BRCA mutations, individuals over 50 years diagnosed with new-onset diabetes, and those with a history of chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cysts. As awareness of these risk factors grows, PharusDx aims to empower patients with accessible and non-invasive testing options, enabling proactive monitoring of their health.

A Collaborative Effort for Better Outcomes

The OncoSweep™ Pancreas Spotlight is developed through collaboration with PacificDx, a CLIA-accredited laboratory based in Irvine, California. This strategic partnership reflects PharusDx’s intention to drive innovation in early cancer detection. The company recognizes that providing regular monitoring for those at risk via a convenient blood test can potentially lead to earlier and more effective treatments.

As Dr. Ajay Goel of the City of Hope, who leads the research effort, pointed out, integrating advanced technology and translational research is vital for pushing the boundaries of cancer diagnostics and treatment options. The OncoSweep™ test, as Bowei Lee, Chairman of PharusDx, mentioned, represents a potentially essential tool in improving patient outcomes for those facing the challenges of pancreatic cancer.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Patients

With its emphasis on innovation and patient-centered care, PharusDx is poised to make a significant impact in the landscape of cancer diagnostics. The introduction of the OncoSweep™ Pancreas Spotlight not only heralds a new era for early pancreatic cancer detection but also has the potential to change the conversation around treatment options significantly. By prioritizing accessible and accurate testing methods, PharusDx strives to provide hope and improved outcomes for patients and families affected by this challenging disease.

For more information on their groundbreaking efforts and innovative solutions, visit PharusDx.