Agendia Cancer Test Named Best Invention of 2007

The Dutch company Agendia's new breast cancer test was named the Best Invention of 2007 by TIME Magazine. The test has been called "Cancer's Crystal Ball". The method of gene analysis used, (MammaPrint) gives more detailed information on tumors that have been removed, helping doctors plan more effective patient specific treatment plans.

The CEO and founder of Agendia, Bernhard Sixt, expressed the company's pleasure at the commendation.

"We are very pleased that we can help millions of women and that TIME has recognized our contribution to the advancement of health care across the globe, most notably in the field of oncology", said Sixt, "This honour is a testament to our ongoing commitment to developing state-of-the-art technology for the benefit of cancer patients - not just in the field of breast cancer. In time, I think we'll be able to reach more people than ever before."

The cancer test that is being honored by TIME magazine is the MammaPrint, which measures the activity of 70 genes in a sample from a removed tumor. An algorithm is then used to determine whether the risk of the cancer spreading is high or low, giving doctors a better idea of when to use aggressive treatment. The likelihood of breast cancer recurrence can be predicted as well. Less aggressive treatment can often be used based on these findings, leading to a more comfortable therapy experience for the patient.

The Breast Cancer Test is the first test of its kind to have received market clearance by the FDA. Agendia has also presented a test for colon cancer prognosis profile to the FDA, ColoPrint, which is currently being evaluated for validation. Another diagnostic product, CupPrint, is test used to identify the origin of a metastatic, or invasive, cancer when the primary site is unknown. The "cup" stands for Cancer of Unknown Primary. All three tests could give doctors an edge in designing effective treatment based on the the genetic makeup of the cancer.

The tests' manufacturer is located in Amsterdam and has close ties to leading European academic centers aiding in the development of the procedures. The tests all use tumor gene expression profiling to unlock the secrets of the cancerous cells. While the technique has been available in the lab, Agendia was first in commercializing the use, resulting in a standard test that could save lives.

Source:

Agendia BV, TIME Magazine Names Agendia Test a Best Invention of 2007, PR Newswire