Study Using Caris Molecular Intelligence Multiplatform Tumor Profiling Identifies Potential Treatment Strategies for Small Cell Cervical Cancer

IRVING, Texas, March 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences® today announced the presentation of study data in small cell cervical cancer (SCCC) that shows multiplatform tumor profiling using Caris Molecular Intelligence®, the company's panomic, comprehensive tumor profiling service, identified high expressions of certain gene mutations which may explain sensitivities and resistance to common drug therapies. Researchers found that identification of certain biomarkers may guide treatment strategies in rare, aggressive and difficult to treat gynecological cancers. The data was presented during Poster Session B on Sunday, March 29, at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) annual meeting on Women's Cancers in Chicago, Ill.

"The challenge we face with many rare and aggressive cancers like SCCC is that the tumor is not completely understood," commented Sandeep K. Reddy, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Caris Life Sciences, and a co-investigator of this study. "This data, which is based on multiplatform molecular profiling with Caris Molecular Intelligence, demonstrate the distinct difference between SCCC and HPV+ cervical cancers, suggesting that treatment approaches based on the specific biomarker profile may improve outcomes."

In the study titled, "Identifying therapeutic options in small cell cervical cancer by multiplatform evaluation of biomarker alteration" (abstract #4443), 75 SCCC molecular profiled samples were compared to 800 samples of human papilloma virus-positive (HPV+) cervical cancer and small cell cancers of other organs (all neuroendocrine tumors [NETs] and lung NETs).

Researchers reported that immunohistochemistry revealed high expression of TOP2A (85%) and TOPO1 (55%) in SCCC samples, which may further explain the sensitivity of this cancer to topoisomerase inhibitors, etoposide and topotecan. Compared with HPV+ cervical cancer samples, SCCC samples had higher protein expression of cKIT, PR, a lower expression of ER, higher rates of TP53 and KRAS mutations, but a lower rate of PIK3CA mutation.

"Our findings revealed high expression of BRCP (91%) and MRP1 (100%), and low expression of ERCC1 (11%), which suggest why these tumors have a high level of drug resistance," said Michael M. Frumovitz, M.D., lead author of the study and Associate Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and reproductive medicine, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "We were pleased to find higher incidences of the AKT1, KRAS, PIK3CA, and TP53 mutations, which suggest potential druggable mutations and areas of research for further therapy development."

Gene amplification results showed that HER2 amplification was identified in 4.5% of SCCC samples compared with 8% of HPV+ cervical cancers and that EGFR amplification was not observed in SCCC samples compared with 10% of HPV+ cervical cancer samples. In contrast, protein expression and rates of lung NETs mutations were more similar to those of SCCC samples. Tumor profiling also showed a lack of PD-L1 (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes), which suggested to investigators that immune therapies targeting the programmed death pathway may not be useful in SCCC.

About Caris Life Sciences® and Caris Molecular Intelligence®
Caris Life Sciences® is a leading biotechnology company focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation. Caris Molecular Intelligence®, one of the industry's leading tumor profiling services with more than 70,000 patients profiled, provides oncologists with the most potentially clinically actionable treatment options available to personalize cancer care today. Using a variety of advanced profiling technologies to assess relevant biological changes in each patient's tumor, Caris Molecular Intelligence connects biomarker data generated from a tumor with biomarker-drug associations supported by evidence in the relevant clinical literature. The company is also developing Carisome® TOP™ technology, a revolutionary and proprietary blood-based profiling platform for diagnosis, prognosis, and theranosis of cancer and other complex diseases. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris Life Sciences offers services throughout Europe, the U.S., Australia and other international markets. To learn more, please visit www.CarisLifeSciences.com. 

SOURCE Caris Life Sciences

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