Lineage Cell Therapeutics Inc (LCTX)

[surf1944]

9:04AM BioTime's subsidiary OncoCyte publishes data on the gene FSIP1 as a Breast Cancer-Specific Marker (BTX) 3.95 : Co announced the publication of a scientific report on the gene FSIP1 and its potential as a marker for breast cancer. The paper, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biomarkers in Medicine and available online today, describes the microarray-based approach used to identify FSIP1 as a breast cancer biomarker with significantly elevated expression in breast tumors expressing the estrogen receptor, which represents 70-80% of all breast cancers.

In addition to elevated gene expression, FSIP1 protein was also expressed within tumors at significant levels whereas little to no expression was found in most normal tissues, including healthy breast tissue. Combined, these findings lay the foundation for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including the measurement of FSIP1 in the blood as a screen for the presence of cancer, as well as targeting of FSIP1 as an antigen in cancer immunotherapy approaches.

Based on large unmet need, market size, and data generated thus far from patient sample screening, OncoCyte is initially focusing its efforts on identifying biomarkers that may be used to detect and monitor breast and bladder cancers.