Epigenomics, Stanford University to collaborate on colorectal cancer detection

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 8 - Epigenomics AG said it has entered into a research collaboration with Stanford University in the field of colorectal cancer.

Under the agreement, Epigenomics and the Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS) will study the use of DNA methylation markers and molecular imaging (FDG PET) in detecting colorectal cancer. The study is co-funded by Roche Diagnostics and Epigenomics.

Methylation controls gene activity by turning them off when not needed. Epigenomics developed a process to read and interpret changes in methylation patterns believed to trigger disease.

Epigenomics and MIPS will enroll up to 120 patients in a two-arm study, with up to 60 patients with confirmed colorectal cancer in one arm and up to 60 patients with other malignancies or normal FDG-PET scans in the second arm.

"FDG PET scans have a sensitivity of about 85% and a specificity of 71% in the initial diagnosis and staging of colorectal cancer patients, while our DNA methylation marker has a sensitivity between 50% and 65% and a specificity of 95% in the same indication," Cathy Lofton-Day of Epigenomics said in a company news release.

"We therefore would like to find out whether the combination of both methods can increase sensitivity and specificity of colorectal cancer detection."

Based in Berlin, Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostic company developing novel products for the treatment of cancer.

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