Genzyme launches lung-cancer gene test

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. biotech firm Genzyme said it has launched a new genetic lab test to help identify non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The test is designed to pinpoint those NSCLC patients who might not respond to targeted therapies, the company said, because the test aids in identifying patients with so-called KRAS genetic mutations, a marker linked to resistance to certain lung-cancer drugs, including the tyrosine kinase inhibitors Tarceva (erlotinib) and Iressa (gefitinib).

"Between 15 and 30 percent of tumors from NSCLC patients have mutations in the KRAS gene, and clinical studies show that this information plays an important role in making treatment decisions," said Mara Aspinall, president of Genzyme Genetics, the business unit of Genzyme. "Genzyme Genetics is currently the only national commercial laboratory in the U.S. to offer this new test. We believe this test will provide physicians and their patients with critical information to help determine how best to move forward with their treatment."