Lab21 launches lung cancer diagnostic tool

Lab21 has launched a new diagnostic test that will help clinicians to select lung cancer patients likely to respond to ALK inhibitor therapy.

The EML4-ALK test, which uses PCR technology, expands the company’s current oncology companion diagnostics portfolio, which includes KRAS, EGFR and BRAF mutation analysis.

Clinical trials show that patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with translocations in the ALK gene have a significantly improved outcome when treated with an ALK inhibitor. NSCLC affects around a million patients worldwide and 5% of those will have translocations in ALK. More than 80% of known translocations are with the EML4 gene.

Graham Mullis, chief executive of Lab21, said: “Launching this new oncology diagnostic service will enable access to an important new class of drugs. Lab21 already provides companion diagnostic services for EGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations, working closely with a number of pharmaceutical partners, and this new service for EML4-ALK re-inforces Lab21’s capabilities in providing early access to novel diagnostics.”

Mike Annable, divisional director of the firm’s clinical laboratory division, added: “The EML4-ALK test adds another valuable service to our oncology portfolio. These tests allow oncologists to tailor a patient’s treatment in order to achieve the best possible outcome and I am pleased this service will allow access to testing throughout the UK.”