Less than a year after Exact Sciences secured FDA approval and
Medicare coverage for a colon cancer diagnostic, Cologuard, the company
has set its sights on its next challenge: early detection of lung
cancer. Madison, WI-based Exact this morning announced a partnership with the University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to co-develop multiple blood-based
diagnostic tests for lung cancer. The agreement brings together MD
Anderson’s “extensive research into predictive biomarkers for lung
cancer” with Exact’s “successful development and commercialization of
Cologuard,” the press release noted.
One of the planned tests would determine the need for low-dose
computed tomography (CT) scans, which combine a series of X-ray screens
from different angles and can be used to detect lung cancer. That
product would be designed for screening the nearly 11 million Americans
who are current or former smokers at high risk of developing lung
cancer. Another proposed diagnostic would assess tumors found via CT
scans or other imaging tests. Lung nodules, growths on the lungs that may
or may not be cancerous, are discovered in 4 million Americans annually,
according to the press release.
“Taking on lung cancer offers an opportunity to build on the success
of Cologuard,” Conroy said in the release. “A simple blood test to
complement CT could significantly improve early-stage lung cancer
detection."
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