First gene expression test for coronary artery disease

Nov 18 2009

The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona today announced the availability of Corus(TM) CAD, the first and only gene expression test to quantify the likelihood of obstructive(i) coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain.

Corus CAD is a new genomic test launched in select U.S. markets, and the Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona is among the first institutions in the country to offer this first-of-its-kind gene expression test to patients with possible cardiovascular disease.

"This is a very exciting breakthrough for helping a physician evaluate the risk of obstructive coronary artery disease in our patients who have chest pain," said Dr. Alan Grossman, Medical Director of the Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography Laboratories at Heart and Vascular Center of Arizona. "It is a convenient, non-invasive blood test that provides fast and accurate results, which are based on information obtained literally from the cellular level within the coronary arteries. We're eager to share insights with our patients from this new cardiology tool that objectively quantifies their likelihood of severe coronary obstruction and helps us better individualize patient care."

Corus CAD is a clinically validated test that provides unique biological insight into coronary artery disease at the molecular and cellular levels for a patient. The test is performed via a simple blood draw procedure, without patient exposure to radiation, imaging agents and/or ionizing imaging contrast solutions. By combining this information with standard clinical assessments, physicians can obtain a more complete picture of their patient's disease, and can better individualize care.

"As an oncology nurse, I've seen the power of preventative medicine work first-hand in my patients," said Mandy Welsheimer, a patient of Dr. Grossman who received the Corus CAD test. "I come from a family with a history of heart disease and also have intermittent chest pain, so I visit Dr. Grossman yearly to assess my heart's health. When he offered me the opportunity to take the new Corus CAD test that would detect my risk for coronary artery disease, I jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of the latest technology. When Dr. Grossman walked me through the test's objective results, I immediately felt at ease to know for certain that I am unlikely to have obstructive CAD at this point."

CardioDx, a cardiovascular genomic diagnostics company that developed and launched Corus CAD, has initially launched the test in nine states, including: Kentucky, Maryland, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Carolina, Texas and Arizona. Patient access is expected to increase throughout the country in 2010 as Corus CAD's availability expands to additional regions.