Pathway Genomics Introduces Comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Panel

San Diego-based Pathway Genomics has launched new testing panels that provide in-depth analyses of the risks for colon cancer. The panel known as ColoTrue zeroes in on pathogenic variants in 15 genes that suggest a higher risk of contracting colon cancer, particularly for those 5 percent of patients who are at much higher risk of contracting the disease through the passing down of mutated genes. “ColoTrue allows providers to test several high-risk colorectal cancer genes at once, rather than testing gene by gene,” said Ardy Arianpour, Pathway Genomics chief commercial officer , in a statement. “This saves time and provides valuable personalized information about other potential cancer risks and options for management.” Colon cancer is the third most common version of the disease diagnosed in the United States, with about 93,000 new cases reported every year, according to data from the American Cancer Society. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with about 50,000 patients dying every year, although the death rate has been dropping in the past decade due to more aggressive preventive screenings for the disease. Along with identifying particular risks to colon cancer, Pathway officials said the panel can also potentially raise red flags for risks of other forms of the disease. “A pathogenic variant in a cancer susceptibility gene can have tremendous impact on a patient, not only for their own health management but for their family’s health,” said Julie Neidich, M.D., Pathway Genomics laboratory medical director, in a statement. “It’s important for providers to consider genetic testing in cases of colorectal cancer, especially where the patient is younger or has a strong family history of cancer.” In addition to ColoTrue, Pathway Genomics also introduced a panel that tests for the five genes associated with Lynch Syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk for both colon and rectal cancer, as well as many other forms of the disease. That assay can be flexed to ColoTrue if no pathogenic variants are found. Takeaway: Pathway Genomics is diversifying its assays for colorectal and associated cancers.