Genomic Health is trumpeting study results showing the effectiveness of its liquid biopsy test. The findings add fuel to the company’s engine after it launched the test earlier this year.
Genomic Health’s Oncotype SEQ Liquid Select test had greater than 99% specificity, according to results from a completed analytical validation study presented at European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2016 Congress in Copenhagen.
The test showed 95% sensitivity, even in very small samples. It also could identify many different genomic alterations, making it highly reproducible, the company said in a statement.
“The high specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility of Oncotype SEQ validated in this study ensures reliable and actionable liquid biopsy test results that physicians can routinely use in clinical practice to help drive precision medicine and enable patients to make more informed treatment decisions,” Genomic Health CMO Phil Febbo said in a statement.
The results come a few months after the Redwood City, CA-based company launched its liquid biopsy test for solid tumors. In June, Genomic Health unveiled the test, which uses next-generation sequencing in a panel of 17 genes to pinpoint genetic markers for cancer and help match patients with suitable therapies.
Genomic Health markets the test as more comfortable and efficient than traditional cancer diagnostics. Oncotype SEQ analyzes cell-free DNA taken from patients’ blood, a less invasive process than tissue biopsy.
The company’s tests cover a range of solid cancers including breast and melanoma. But Genomic Health focused the initial launch of stage IV lung cancer patients.
Now, the company is focusing on broadening its horizons. Genomic Health has a global, multicenter clinical concordance study underway that could help spur reimbursement for its liquid biopsy test. The company also plans to launch more liquid biopsy tests to boost business.
“We believe we are well-positioned to lead this new market given our experience developing cancer tests that are optimized for clinical utility and patient access, along with our operational expertise and unmatched commercial channel," Febbo said in a previous statement.