Clarient launches KRAS colorectal cancer testing service in US
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Clarient has launched its KRAS genetic test for colorectal cancer. The services lab performs all testing at its site in Aliso Viejo, California so mainly caters for the US market, but also receives international samples "on a routine basis". Mutations in KRAS are associated with a poor response in patients treated with the EGFR inhibitors Vectibix, developed by Amgen, and Merck KGaA's Erbitux. Around 40-45% patients harbour the mutations, meaning the KRAS protein, which is downstream of the EGFR receptor, is always "turned on" regardless of whether EGFR is inhibited. Manchester, UK-based DxS also markets a KRAS test, TheraScreen K-RAS, which is CE marked for sale in Europe and was recently launched in Australia. However, DxS's test is not yet cleared by the US FDA.