Biotech Values

[genisi]

Analysis of Vectibix(R) Study Using New Gene Technology Helps to Advance Prospects for Personalized Medicine

http://www.amgen.com/media/media_pr_detail.jsp?releaseID=1414102

...The analysis used massively parallel, next-generation sequencing technology to investigate whether mutations in nine genes known to be mutated in colorectal cancer, including the previously unanalyzed exon 3 mutation of the KRAS gene, are predictive of response to Vectibix in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
...In addition to KRAS, mutations in NRAS, another member of the RAS gene family, were also associated with lack of response to Vectibix.
...Observed mutation rates in this study were consistent with previous reports in colorectal cancer; however a higher than expected rate of simultaneous mutation of KRAS and either BRAF or NRAS was observed. Further investigation in larger studies is required to determine the predictive value of BRAF mutations.