Expanding Access to Personalized Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Patients
Why do more than 20% of prostate cancer patients experience persistent urinary side effects after radiation therapy? MiraDx, a molecular diagnostics company focused on genetic testing to personalize cancer treatment, is addressing this critical issue. Based in Los Angeles, Calif., MiraDx has announced the U.S. commercial launch of PROSTOX™ Standard, a new, clinically validated genetic test that identifies patients at increased risk of developing long-term urinary side effects following conventionally fractionated or moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy (CFRT or MHFRT).
MiraDx is expanding its PROSTOX offering to complement the existing PROSTOX Ultra test, which is designed for patients being considered for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This expansion aims to provide a broader group of prostate cancer patients with access to toxicity risk assessment testing, enabling more personalized treatment decisions.
Key Insights at a Glance
- PROSTOX™ Standard: A new genetic test that predicts late-onset genitourinary (GU) toxicity following CFRT or MHFRT.
- Personalized Treatment: PROSTOX tests help predict which patients are at risk for GU toxicity, allowing for more tailored radiation therapy.
- Clinical Validation: PROSTOX tests are clinically validated and performed at MiraDx’s CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory.
- Patient Impact: PROSTOX tests help patients feel more confident about their treatment plans and quality of life post-treatment.
The Challenge of Genitourinary Toxicity in Prostate Cancer Treatment
While external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is an effective and widely used treatment for localized prostate cancer, it comes with a significant downside. More than 20% of patients treated with radiation therapy experience persistent urinary side effects, known as late genitourinary (GU) toxicity. These side effects, such as urinary urgency, leakage, or discomfort, can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. Until now, clinicians lacked a biology-driven tool to identify which patients are most at risk for these side effects. This gap in personalized medicine has left many patients and clinicians in the dark, leading to suboptimal treatment decisions and potential long-term complications.
The Urgency of Addressing Late GU Toxicity
Just as a gardener must understand the soil to grow healthy plants, MiraDx understands the genetic makeup of patients to predict their response to radiation therapy. The launch of PROSTOX™ Standard is a critical step in addressing the urgent need for personalized treatment options in prostate cancer care. By identifying patients at high risk for late GU toxicity, clinicians can tailor their treatment plans to minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes. The window for action is closing fast, as the demand for personalized medicine continues to grow, and patients seek more informed and tailored treatment options.
MiraDx Mobilizes for Personalized Prostate Cancer Treatment
MiraDx is committed to advancing personalized medicine in radiation oncology. The company’s PROSTOX tests, including the newly launched PROSTOX™ Standard, are clinically validated and performed at MiraDx’s CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited molecular diagnostics laboratory in Los Angeles, Calif. These tests analyze inherited genetic variants in microRNAs and their pathways, delivering actionable results in 5-7 days. This rapid turnaround time enables physicians and patients to make more informed treatment decisions based on each patient’s individual side effect risk profile.
“PROSTOX tests bring precision medicine to radiation oncology by shifting the focus from the tumor alone to determining the most effective treatment approach for each patient based upon their unique biology and resulting treatment risks,” said Melissa C. Stoppler, MD, Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at MiraDx. The company’s financial assistance program ensures that patients have access to these critical tests, regardless of insurance coverage.
Future Outlook
MiraDx is navigating the complex landscape of personalized cancer treatment like a skilled captain charting a course through uncharted waters. By expanding access to PROSTOX tests, the company is empowering clinicians and patients to make more informed and personalized treatment decisions. This forward-looking approach is crucial in an era where precision medicine is becoming the standard of care. MiraDx’s commitment to advancing personalized radiation therapy is evident in its ongoing efforts to develop and validate new diagnostic tools.
Conclusion
The launch of PROSTOX™ Standard by MiraDx marks a significant step forward in the personalized treatment of prostate cancer. By predicting late genitourinary toxicity, these tests help clinicians tailor radiation therapy to minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes. This advancement underscores MiraDx’s dedication to precision medicine and its potential to transform the landscape of prostate cancer care. Join the conversation in the comments below.
About PROSTOX Tests
PROSTOX tests are clinically validated diagnostic tests used to predict genitourinary toxicity following external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The tests analyze inherited genetic variants in microRNAs and their pathways that influence how individual patients tolerate radiation, delivering actionable insights to enable clinicians to make informed therapeutic choices with their families. The PROSTOX Standard test is designed to predict toxicity following CFRT (37-45 fractions over 7-9 weeks) or MHFRT (20-28 fractions over 4-5 weeks). The PROSTOX Ultra test is designed to predict toxicity following SBRT (5–7 fractions over approximately 10 days).
About MiraDx
MiraDx is a molecular diagnostics company that specializes in developing genetic tests that support individualized cancer treatment choices. By analyzing an individual’s unique microRNA-based germline genetic signatures, MiraDx enables clinicians and their patients to optimize therapeutic decision choices across radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Its tests offer a first-of-their-kind ability to predict treatment-related outcomes based on the patient, facilitating more informative, personalized cancer care.
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