RYE BROOK, NY, Jul 19, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
As part of a fundamental commitment to support physicians in the
management of cancer, CBLPath announces today its launch of in-house
NRAS Mutation Analysis testing. This molecular assay screens for
clinically relevant genetic mutations that may be present in cases of
colorectal cancer, melanoma and thyroid cancer, thus helping
oncologists make an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate
treatment decisions for affected patients.

“Our new polymerase chain reaction, or PCR-based test uses the latest
sequencing technology to detect NRAS genetic aberrations in a timely
and accurate manner, aiding molecular classification of disease and
consequently impacting patient prognosis and therapeutic efficacy,”
said Co-CEO and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Carlos D. Urmacher, FCAP,
FASCP.

“We’re pleased to add NRAS to our powerful arsenal of
biomarker-centered diagnostics that are advancing the practice of
personalized medicine. It’s truly a ‘win-win’ for oncologists, who
can provide better medicine, faster with our testing and for their
patients who receive customized care and targeted treatment based on
their individual molecular profiles.”

The NRAS gene (Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog Gene) encodes
the NRAS enzyme, which is member of RAS family of proteins. (RAS is
an abbreviation for Rat sarcoma, where these proteins were first
found.) RAS family members belong to a class of proteins called small
GTPases, which carry out a pivotal role in many vital biological
processes within the human body, acting as molecular switches to
transmit signals within cells. NRAS itself plays a key part in the
MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cellular signaling pathway,
which is involved in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation
and survival.

CBLPath’s NRAS sequencing assay detects variation in codons 12, 13
and 61 of the NRAS oncogene that may be present in colorectal cancer,
melanoma and thyroid cancer patients.

In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the occurrence of NRAS
mutations may be predictive of non-response to anti-EGFR (epidermal
growth factor receptor) therapies such as cetuximab and panitumumab.
The presence of activating mutations in the cell signaling pathway
has been shown to impact the body’s ability to respond to these
cancer treatments.

In melanoma patients, NRAS mutations may indicate that a tumor will
respond favorably to drugs that target genes downstream of NRAS in
the MAPK cell signaling pathway, including RAF and MEK.

In thyroid cancer patients, RAS genetic mutations — particularly
NRAS — have been detected in up to 40% of follicular thyroid
carcinomas and up to 10% of papillary thyroid carcinomas. These
genetic variants are also found frequently in follicular adenomas.
Accordingly, a patient’s RAS mutation status must be correlated with
morphologic and clinical findings. This is especially important for
patients with follicular thyroid tumors, as RAS mutations may be
associated with more aggressive disease.

To speak with your local CBLPath representative about ordering NRAS
Mutation Analysis testing, call 877.225.7284. To see the company’s
entire array of tests, visit
www.CBLPath.com and click Test Menu.

About CBLPath
CBLPath is a national specialty lab with a unique
leadership position in the convergence of anatomic, molecular and
digital pathology. Beginning from a clinical perspective, we harness
molecular testing and digital pathology on an anatomic pathology
foundation. CBLPath is committed to helping our clients deliver
better medicine, faster. At our core are pathologists; excited about
technology and innovation and its promise of helping patients.
Through the Best Practice(TM) Partnership Program we help our
pathologist-clients effectively compete against centralized reference
laboratories, grow their Practice and remain independent — Keeping
Medicine Local(TM). We provide our subspecialty physician clients
comprehensive diagnostics and timely, accurate reports enabling the
best patient care. For more about the company, please visit

www.CBLPath.com .

        
        Contact:
        Nicole A. York
        Director, Communications
        Phone: 704.780.0880
        E-Mail: nyork@sonichealthcareusa.com
        
        
        

SOURCE: CBLPath

        mailto:nyork@sonichealthcareusa.com
        

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