Patient Age Can Impact Gene Expression

A new study commissioned by the Provista Diagnostics molecular laboratory has concluded that the age of patients can play a role in the expression of genes. Specifically, the study addressed tumor-associated antibodies, which are generated based on the specific kind of cancer that has developed.

The New York City-based Provista studied the antibodies and serum protein bio-markers of 492 women between the ages of 25 and 75 who received either a benign or suspicious assessment from diagnostic imaging. There were age-related differences found in the majority of individual protein biomarkers even when accounting for breast density and cancer prevalence.

Specifically, after the age of 50, patients are at higher risk for tumor-associated antibodies to undergo significant changes. The alterations are believed to be associated with hormone changes associated with menopause.

“The data allows us to produce blood-based tests to provide accurate results regardless of age,” said Susan Gross, M.D., Provista’s chief medical officer. The findings were presented at the recent Miami Breast Cancer Conference. They have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

“While there have been studies showing age being a factor in serum protein biomarker expression, we believe this is the first study to examine whether there were age-related differences in the expression of tumor-associated antibodies” said lead investigator Kasey Benson of Provista in a statement. “These results show that there are differences in the (expression of these antibodies) and this knowledge is extremely valuable.”

Provista has been using the data to guide the development of its Videssa breast assay. That test, which is designed to detect breast cancer in patients with dense breasts or inconclusive mammography studies, is expected to be released later this year. The Videssa assay has also been designed to test for ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Provista received $5.25 million in funding from investors last month, and another $6 million last September. It has received a total of nearly $38 million in capital since 2011.

Takeaway: Provista Diagnostics’ research has shown an age differential for molecular testing results, which could guide treatments in the future.