Metamark expands prostate cancer test services to include PROGENSAPCA3 assay

MetamarkOct 1 2014

Metamark announced today the expansion of its prostate cancer test services to now include the PROGENSA^® PCA3 assay, a urine-based test that can help confirm negative prostate biopsies, and ERG, a companion test to the company's existing PTEN assay. These tests join Metamark's current portfolio, including ProMark™, the only protein-based prognostic test for prostate cancer that will soon be available nationwide. These new options provide patients and their doctors the additional information that can inform a more accurate assessment of their disease, which can lead to better guidance on treatment options.

"With prostate cancer in particular, there is a strong medical need for additional tests to provide men with better information for both screening and the prognosis," said Metamark CEO Shawn Marcell. "Better information leads to improved decision making, and with these new services available from Metamark, it's our hope patients and doctors feel confident in determining the best course of action."

The PROGENSA^® PCA3 assay is the first urine-based molecular test to provide an extra layer of assurance for at-risk men who have already received one or more negative biopsies. The test measures the Prostate Cancer Gene 3, or PCA3, which is expressed 60 to 100 times more often in prostate cancer than in normal cells. A low PCA3 score indicates a decreased likelihood of a positive repeat biopsy result. This ability to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer can potentially reduce the need for many repeat biopsies. The PROGENSA^® PCA3 assay is provided to Metamark by Hologic.

ERG gene fusion has been noted as an indicator of cancer cell growth, driving the deletion of PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene. In several studies, PTEN loss combined with ERG fusion has been associated with aggressive prostate cancer cells. These indicators are helpful for predicting the likely course of prostate cancer progression. ERG in conjunction with PTEN can be informative in patients who have pre-cancerous conditions or low grade prostate cancer.

"The continued enhancement of our services reinforces Metamark's commitment to the prostate cancer community, with the goal of providing the necessary tools for men to accurately and confidently assess their diagnosis and subsequent treatment options," said Marcell.