US-based life sciences company Labcorp has rolled out a new liquid biopsy test that enables targeted therapy selection for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumours.
The new test, dubbed Labcorp Plasma Focus, allows treating oncologists to evaluate circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released by cancer cells.
It also helps oncologists better manage the care of their patients through a personalised, targeted therapy plan, said the life sciences company.
Labcorp Plasma Focus enables earlier and more rapid identification of biomarkers for targeted therapies to improve survival outcomes and reduce disease-related costs.
Labcorp oncology global enterprise head and senior vice president Prasanth Reddy said: “The launch of Labcorp Plasma Focus is a critical step in the expansion of Labcorp’s suite of precision oncology tests.
“With a single, minimally invasive blood draw, we are able to detect clinically actionable biomarkers in patients across common cancer types, while reducing the physical burden that testing has on the patient.
“At Labcorp, we are focused on delivering critical insights to power better outcomes at every step of a patient’s journey, and now Labcorp Plasma Focus can improve a physician’s ability to develop an individualised care plan for their patient.”
According to the company, liquid biopsy tests require only a standard blood draw and provide fast results and greater access to precision medicine.
Labcorp said that its new test is complementary to tissue-based genomic testing, specifically when tissue is not available or accessible.
It detects genetic changes important for selecting targeted therapy for patients with NSCLC, colorectal, breast, oesophageal, gastroesophageal junction, gastric cancers and melanoma.
Furthermore, Labcorp has published an analytical article, which validates the accuracy, sensitivity, and specific approach of the test for genomic profiling.
Labcorp chief medical and scientific officer Brian Caveney said: “Labcorp is focused on delivering critical insights at every stage of care for physicians, patients, cancer care teams, and our biopharma partners.
“The development and launch of Labcorp Plasma Focus mark a pivotal moment in the use of technology to enable therapy selection for patients far earlier than previously available, allowing oncologists to better manage the care of their patients.”
