BloodCenter of Wisconsin Launches Calreticulin Test to Diagnose Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

MILWAUKEE, July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BloodCenter of Wisconsin's Diagnostic Laboratories today announced the availability of a Calreticulin (CALR) mutation analysis to identify gene mutations that are found in patients with rare and chronic blood disorders. Detecting a CALR mutation vastly improves the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), a group of diseases that affect blood cell formation. Accurate diagnosis of these disorders provides physicians with information needed to provide the appropriate patient therapy.

Myeloproliferative disorders such as essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are characterized by abnormal blood cell counts and other symptoms. MPN affects approximately 300,000 people in the U.S. In a majority of ET and PMF cases with nonmutated janus kinus 2 gene (JAK2), the presence of CALR mutations have recently been identified and used to determine patient risk and outcomes.  [Nangalia et al.; Klampfl et al.]. 

In patients with ET and PMF, the CALR mutation aids in risk stratification. In patients with PMF, a longer overall survival rate is associated with a CALR mutation in comparison to a JAK2 gene mutation presence. Patients with ET, have a lower risk of thrombosis with a mutation of CALR  in comparison to a JAK2 presence.

BloodCenter's MPN testing algorithm eliminates the need for test samples to be sent to multiple laboratories, thus improving test efficiency and cost effectiveness. In patients who have suspected ET or PMF, the CALR gene will aid in the diagnosis and risk stratification for these patients. 

"Efficient and accurate diagnosis of MPN is critical in order to properly manage patient care," said Dr. D.P. Dash, director of BloodCenter's Molecular Oncology Laboratory. "The addition of BloodCenter's CALR test reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing patient care by providing physicians worldwide with leading-edge testing in the area of molecular oncology."

BloodCenter's Diagnostic Laboratories help physicians provide clinical care to patients worldwide, fostering better understanding and treatment options for patients with difficult-to-diagnose diseases. In addition, the laboratories collaborate with other institutions and industry partners to bring new diagnostic testing and treatment options to patient care.

About BloodCenter of Wisconsin
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to 56 hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties as well as providing support to hospitals and patients across the country. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.

References:
Nangalia J, Massie CE, Baxter EJ, et al. Somatic CALR mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms with nonmutated JAK2 N Engl Med.2013;369(25):2391-405.

Contact: Fay Spano, 414-937-6124, [email protected]

SOURCE BloodCenter of Wisconsin