Treatment of colorectal cancer patients enters a new stage

Treatment options for colorectal cancer patients are about to expand greatly. RIKEN GENESIS and Tohoku University have jointly developed the OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ Methylation Detection Kit, the world's first DNA methylation test kit, which is now available in Japan.

Increase in the Number of Colorectal Cancer Patients and Challenges

According to a survey by the National Cancer Center, the number of colorectal cancer patients is increasing every year, reaching approximately 156,000 by 2020. On the other hand, the number of deaths is about 52,000 per year, which is the top serious number of deaths by cancer site among women.

In the treatment of colorectal cancer, molecular targeted drugs (anticancer drugs) that act on each cancer-causing gene are attracting attention. However, these drugs are not effective for all patients, and it is important to select patients in advance who can be expected to benefit.

A New Mechanism for Predicting Treatment Effectiveness

The OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ Methylation Detection Kit, jointly developed by Tohoku University and RIKEN GENESIS, is the world's first test kit to predict the efficacy of molecular targeted drugs by examining the DNA methylation status of colon cancer patients.

How the OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ Methylation Detection Kit works

The OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ Methylation Detection Kit analyzes DNA from a patient's tumor tissue and examines DNA methylation status in 16 regions. Based on the results, patients are classified into two groups

Low methylation group: patients who are likely to benefit from anti-EGFR antibody drugs

Highly methylated group: group likely to be ineffective with anti-EGFR antibody drugs

High accuracy proven in clinical trials

The efficacy of the OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ Methylation Detection Kit has been demonstrated in clinical trials.

In trials, patients in the low methylation group identified by the OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ Methylation Detection Kit appear to have a longer progression-free survival with anti-EGFR antibody drugs compared to patients in the high methylation group.

Aiming for Public Medical Insurance Coverage

RIKEN GENESIS appears to be aiming for public medical insurance coverage of the OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ methylation detection kit.
If public insurance coverage is realized, more patients will be able to receive this test, which is expected to further advance colorectal cancer treatment.

In addition, the company plans to continue its research and development to improve the types of cancers to be tested for DNA methylation and the accuracy of the test.

Conclusion

The OncoGuide™ EpiLight™ Methylation Detection Kit is an innovative technology that will greatly expand treatment options for colorectal cancer patients. By utilizing this test, more patients will be able to receive more effective treatment, which is expected to contribute to improving the survival rate of colorectal cancer patients.
Expectations for the future