US-based Quest Diagnostics has launched a novel prostate cancer biomarker test through its subspecialty pathology business, AmeriPath, in collaboration with the Australian company Envision Sciences.
The new, tissue-based test service aims to address the clinical need for tests to help identify and differentiate potentially aggressive cases of prostate cancer.
Quest developed and validated the laboratory test under an intellectual property license agreement with Envision for the use of its proprietary biomarker and immunohistochemistry technology. This includes Envision's unique staining technology and novel biomarkers (named EV1, EV2 and EV3).
The companies said that recently published data in 'Pathology' showed that 22 per cent of tissue specimens examined with a panel based on the three Envision biomarkers and technology were upgraded, and 20 per cent were downgraded, as compared to the conventional assessment of pathologic evaluation based on hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue alone.
A recent Quest Diagnostics Health Trends study showed that, more than two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, prostate and breast cancer diagnoses continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Although it is one of the most common cancers globally, existing prostate cancer testing methods, particularly for early, lower-grade stages, have limited accuracy across pathologists.
"Our goal for this innovative prostate biomarker test is to improve the accuracy of grading prostate cancer biopsies. We expect this service to help fill a clinical gap affecting millions of men for staging, diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer," said Kristie Dolan, the vice president and general manager of Quest Diagnostics Oncology.
"Through our relationship with Envision, we are excited to broaden access to this innovative technology. With Quest's national scale and industry-leading prostate cancer portfolio, we will be able to reach a larger number of patients and provide them with diagnostic insights to inform their treatment decisions."
"Envision Sciences welcomes this relationship with Quest Diagnostics. We believe this collaboration aligns us with the world leader in prostate cancer testing," said Envision CEO, Peter Pursey. "Our patented technology provides a novel approach to visualizing prostate cancer tissue and improving accuracy in grading the cancer by pathologists. We expect the test to enhance current prostate cancer histology practice and improve the information available to clinicians, enabling them to better align cancer grades with treatment options."
