Reveal Genomics is a genomic diagnostics company focused on improving cancer care through advanced genomic insights. It develops tools that provide a deeper understanding of cancer to improve patient outcomes. This involves leveraging genetic and clinical information to create diagnostic solutions.
Advancing Precision Oncology
Precision oncology is a modern approach to cancer treatment, moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” strategy. It tailors treatment based on a patient’s genetic makeup and tumor characteristics. This aims to provide more effective, personalized therapies by analyzing a tumor’s genetic profile to select optimal treatments.
Traditionally, cancer treatment was defined by its location, applying generalized treatments. However, cancers, even of the same type, can behave differently due to unique genetic properties. Precision oncology analyzes DNA alterations driving tumor growth, allowing targeted therapies. This enables oncologists to consider new drugs or protocols, leading to more precise and effective care.
The HER2DX Genomic Test
HER2DX is a genomic test designed for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancer involves an excess of the HER2 protein, which promotes rapid cell growth. This subtype accounts for 15% to 20% of all breast cancer diagnoses, making it an aggressive form of the disease. While aggressive, these cancers respond well to treatments that specifically target the HER2 protein.
The HER2DX test measures the RNA levels of 27 genes from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissues. It evaluates four biological processes within the tumor:
Immune system activation
The differentiated status of tumor cells
The proliferation status of the tumor
The expression of the HER2 gene and related genes on chromosome 17
This genomic information is combined with clinical data, such as tumor size and lymph node involvement, to generate three distinct scores: the HER2DX Risk Score, the HER2DX pCR (pathological complete response) Score, and the HER2DX ERBB2 Expression Score. These scores provide independent insights into a patient’s long-term prognosis, the likelihood of achieving a complete response to certain therapies, and the levels of HER2 expression in the tumor.
Guiding Personalized Cancer Care
The data from the HER2DX test empowers oncologists to develop more informed and personalized treatment plans for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. By understanding the unique genomic profile of a patient’s tumor, physicians can determine which targeted therapies are most likely to be beneficial. This allows for the selection of treatments that directly address the specific genetic drivers of the cancer, optimizing efficacy and potentially reducing side effects associated with broader therapies like chemotherapy.
Utilizing genomic tests like HER2DX helps identify patients who may benefit from de-escalated treatment strategies, avoiding unnecessary aggressive therapies and their associated toxicities. Conversely, it can also pinpoint patients who require more intensive treatment due to a higher risk of recurrence or lower predicted response to standard approaches. The HER2DX Risk Score, for example, can help stratify patients into low and high-risk groups. Studies indicate that patients with a HER2DX Risk Score below 32 may have a significantly lower probability of recurrence compared to those with a score of 32 or higher. This personalized approach helps improve patient outcomes by tailoring therapy to the individual, leading to better quality of life during and after treatment and optimizing overall care pathways.