A new multiplex diagnostic assay technology called Pi Code Technology was presented today at the Fifth International Molecular Diagnostics Europe conference in Lisbon, Portugal by PlexBio Co., Ltd. Chief Operating Officer, Stuart M. Palmer, Ph.D. This new diagnostic technology platform developed by PlexBio is able to rapidly determine the status of a wide range of somatic gene mutations or gene rearrangements typically seen in various cancers. In combination with SelectAmp, a mutation-enriching PCR amplification technique that dramatically increases mutation detection sensitivities, the new analytic approach presented by PlexBio holds strong promise for use with ‘liquid biopsy’ samples. The company’s scientific presentation focused mainly on the mutation analysis results obtained for the EGFR gene (a gene very often associated with lung cancer), but preliminary work on a range of liquid biopsy-compatible ‘cancer panels’ was also presented.

Speakers from all over the world joined at the conference which runs from April 10-13th. This year, the conference features six tracks: Advances in Prenatal Molecular Diagnostics, Biomarkers for Immunotherapy, Cell-Free DNA in Clinical Oncology, Enabling Technologies for Cell-Free DNA, Advanced Diagnostics for Infectious Disease, and Point-of-Care Diagnostics. Dr. Palmer noted that “PlexBio is proud to be a first-time sponsor at this top-line scientific conference and the session tracks dedicated to Cell-Free DNA in Clinical Oncology. We look forward to seeing even greater developments at next year’s meeting”.

The use of liquid biopsy samples in place of preserved solid tumors sections has been the focus of significant clinical study in recent years. The liquid biopsy approach, which uses blood and other bodily fluids that are more easily obtained, has the benefit of being non-invasive and less expensive than the traditional biopsy approach where samples are removed from the patient surgically or by needle aspiration. The objective of the new technique is to enable clinicians to determine a patient’s cancer status with a simple blood or fluids draw and to then quickly implement a treatment plan. The approach is poised to move rapidly into routine clinical practice.

Source – PRWeb