Signal Genetics LLC Announces Update to MyPRS™ Gene Expression Profiling Assay for Multiple Myeloma
(PRWEB) July 22, 2013 -- Signal Genetics today announced that it has launched an update to its MyPRS gene expression assay for patients with Multiple Myeloma, which will improve patient prognoses, enable better informed patient care decisions, and ultimately reduce costs.
Every MyPRS test performed now includes an analysis of an additional set of 813-genes within the patient’s genome, which is used to create an individualized ‘Virtual Karyotype’ view of the patient’s disease. This new algorithm is offered in conjunction with the GEP70 risk stratification signature and 7-class molecular subtyping algorithm. The combination of multiple genetic profiles provides the physician with an unparalleled level of personalized information about each patient, and represents the results of decades of research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
The Virtual Karyotype algorithm, published in Blood (May 24, 2012 vol. 119 no. 21 e148-e150), predicts cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with multiple myeloma using gene expression profiling (GEP) . The accuracy of the method was validated against a range of conventional cytogenetic techniques and was shown to have an accuracy of up to 89 percent. Certain cytogenetic abnormalities, that are a hallmark of Multiple Myeloma, are commonly used as clinical parameters for determining the disease stage and help guide therapy decisions for patients. The Virtual Karyotype algorithm, now included in MyPRS, was designed to be an alternative to conventional methods which can be time consuming, expensive, subjective and often fail due to the difficulties encountered when attempting to culture myeloma cells.
Sam Riccitelli, President and CEO of Signal Genetics said, “We are thrilled that our ongoing relationship with UAMS allows us to bring new developments in the genetic understanding of Multiple Myeloma to physicians and patients throughout the country. The addition of the Virtual Karyotype signature to our MyPRS assay is a major advancement in expanding the already proven clinical utility of GEP for patients with myeloma and should encourage even more physicians to incorporate the test into routine care.”
About MyPRS
MyPRS, developed by UAMS, has been marketed by Signal Genetics since 2011. The multi-gene test, performed on bone marrow aspirate material, has been incorporated into the routine management of patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in numerous treatment centers across the country. MyPRS™ can be used at the time of initial myeloma diagnosis or if the patient has experienced a relapse of their disease.
About Signal Genetics
Signal Genetics LLC is a privately held molecular diagnostic company based in New York, NY and Little Rock, AR focused on providing innovative diagnostic services that help physicians make better-informed decisions concerning the care of their patients suffering from cancer. For more information, visit https://www.signalgenetics.com or email info(at)signalgenetics(dot)com.
Sam Riccitelli, Signal Genetics LLC, +1 (212) 486-0040, [email protected]
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