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Cancer Genetics advances understanding of immune response and measurement in lymphomas by combining PD-L1 expression analysis with RNA analysis

11-12-2017

Study Presented at the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting
Study focused on DLBCL (Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas)

RUTHERFORD, N.J., Dec. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CGIX), a leader in enabling precision medicine for oncology through molecular markers and diagnostics, today announced results of a study demonstrating the potential value of being platform-agnostic and choosing the best diagnostic modality to evaluate an important molecular biomarker, PD-L1, in DLBCL (Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas). The results (abstract 1477) were presented on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at the 59th ASH Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

The study compared performance of multiple antibody clones against PD-L1 and the current standard diagnostic modality, immunohistochemistry (IHC), to an in-situ hybridization (ISH), using RNAscope®1 approach to determine the expression of PD-L1 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells, a particularly aggressive form of lymphoma. Although the two modalities demonstrated relative concordance related to the identification of PD-L1 expression, there were differences that indicated that RNA-ISH may be the superior approach. First, RNA-ISH appeared to be more sensitive, identifying cases of PD-L1 expression that were negative using IHC. Second, high PD-L1 expression identified by RNA-ISH, but not IHC, was highly correlated with non-germinal center B-cell subtype, gains at the PD-L1/9p24 locus (a predictor of PD-L1 inhibitor response) and demonstrated a trend toward worse overall survival. The study demonstrates that choice and integration of diagnostic modalities can provide key additional information to assist oncologists to more accurately select therapeutic options for their patients.

“Precision oncology is all about better identifying the biomarkers in a patient’s tumor that both assist in diagnosis and drive a treatment plan tailored to the patient's cancer with the objective of obtaining an optimal clinical outcome,” said Panna Sharma, President and CEO of Cancer Genetics. “This means that companies and laboratories in precision oncology should utilize the platform or platforms that generate the best validated information to drive treatment. This study demonstrates for a particular tumor type, DLBCL, that RNA-ISH generates superior information compared to IHC alone, which has been the standard for many years. We at Cancer Genetics would like to take this approach further to the benefit of the oncology community and the patients they treat.”

Poster and Oral Presentation Title (abst 1477): Precision in PD-L1 Assessment in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: Greater Biological Insight Using in Situ Hybridization Approach
Session 622: Lymphoma Biology—Non-Genetic Studies  
Time/Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST 
Presenter: Imran Siddiqi, M.D., Ph.D., University of Southern California

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1 RNAscope is a registered trademark of Advanced Cell Diagnostics

ABOUT CANCER GENETICS
Cancer Genetics Inc. is a leader in enabling precision medicine in oncology from bench to bedside through the use of oncology biomarkers and molecular testing. CGI is developing a global footprint with locations in the US, India and China. We have established strong clinical research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Keck School of Medicine at USC and the National Cancer Institute.

The Company offers a comprehensive range of laboratory services that provide critical genomic and biomarker information. Its state-of-the-art reference labs are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited in the US and have licensure from several states including New York State.

For more information, please visit or follow CGI at:
Internet: www.cancergenetics.com
Twitter: @Cancer_Genetics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CancerGenetics

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to Cancer Genetics’ strategic focus and the future development, commercialization and outcomes associated with its tests and testing services.

Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, risks of cancellation of customer contracts or discontinuance of trials, risks that anticipated benefits from acquisitions will not be realized, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights and other risks discussed in the Cancer Genetics, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2017 along with other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Cancer Genetics, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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