Biocept Expands Collaboration With MD Anderson Cancer Center
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biocept, Inc. (Nasdaq:BIOC), a molecular oncology diagnostics company specializing in biomarker analysis of cell-free circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), today announced the furthering of its collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center regarding studies focused on patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The continuation of this collaboration follows the recent findings from an MD Anderson mouse model study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal, Cancer Cell (Cancer Cell 26, 77-91, July 14, 2014) in which Biocept's OncoCEE testing was utilized. The Company's OncoCEE microfluidic device captures CTCs and then evaluates the genomic marker, HER3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 3), for expression on ovarian cancer cells in order to better understand alternative routes of metastasis.
Michael Nall, President and CEO of Biocept, commented, "We believe the findings from this study are valuable as they help in our understanding of ovarian cancer metastasis, and how to improve clinical management of these patients. We are pleased to continue this important research with MD Anderson as they work to enhance the survival rate and lifestyle of ovarian cancer patients. Partnerships with top tier centers such as this are a pillar of our growth strategy and we will continue to work to further develop our relationships with academic and research partners."
Raaj Trivedi, Vice President of Commercial Operations said, "Today, patients that are newly diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer are treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. More than 50% of these patients relapse following primary therapy, highlighting the urgent need for novel prognostic indicators of responsiveness to therapy or early indications of recurrence. Given our technology platform, which captures and provides genomic analysis on CTCs, we believe we are an ideal partner for MD Anderson as they continue this groundbreaking research."
About Biocept, Inc.
Biocept, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif., is a commercial-stage oncology diagnostics company focused on providing information on patients' tumors to physicians using its proprietary technology platform to help improve individual patient treatment. Biocept has developed proprietary technology platforms for capture and analysis of circulating tumor DNA, both in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and in plasma (cell free tumor DNA). A standard blood sample is utilized to provide physicians with important prognostic and predictive information to enhance individual treatment of their patients with cancer. Biocept currently offers its OncoCEE-BRTM test for breast cancer and plans to introduce CLIA validated tests for lung, colorectal, prostate and other solid tumors based on its proprietary technology platforms over the coming months.
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