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Highlights:
- Innovative Liquid Biopsy Advances: ANGLE PLC presented new data on Parsortix-based assays for lung and breast cancer diagnostics, highlighting its potential to revolutionise personalised treatment.
- Improved Detection of PD-L1 and HER2 Markers: New assays showed enhanced sensitivity in identifying PD-L1 and HER2 proteins, crucial for selecting appropriate immunotherapy and targeted treatments.
- Non-Invasive Tumour Monitoring: The liquid biopsy tests offer a non-invasive alternative, enabling dynamic monitoring of cancer evolution and improving treatment decision-making.
ANGLE PLC (LSE:AGL), a pioneer in liquid biopsy technology, presented significant new findings at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Special Conference, underscoring advancements in cancer diagnostics for lung and breast cancers. The innovative data showcase ANGLE’s development of two Parsortix-based assays, aimed at improving precision medicine and guiding personalised treatment for patients.
Revolutionising Lung Cancer Diagnostics with PD-L1 Assay
The first study introduced an immunofluorescence assay designed to assess programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) status in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from metastatic lung cancer patients. PD-L1 is a key protein that allows cancer cells to evade the immune system, and its detection is vital for determining the suitability of immunotherapy.
The assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, accurately identifying PD-L1 markers from blood samples of lung cancer patients. In a cohort of 32 patients, 72% of those classified as PD-L1-positive by traditional tissue biopsy were confirmed as positive using the liquid biopsy assay. Notably, the test identified PD-L1-positive CTCs in 27% of patients initially labelled as PD-L1-negative through tissue testing.
These findings highlight the capability of ANGLE’s liquid biopsy technology to provide a more comprehensive view of tumour heterogeneity and evolution, addressing limitations of conventional tissue biopsies, which often fail to capture the full genetic diversity of the tumour.
HER2 Assay for Breast Cancer: A New Frontier in Monitoring Tumour Evolution
In a second study, ANGLE focused on developing a HER2 assay kit for metastatic breast cancer patients. HER2 is a protein that can drive cancer growth, and its status is crucial for determining eligibility for targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab.
The new HER2 assay, developed in collaboration with BioView, includes a sophisticated scoring system to evaluate HER2 expression in CTCs. This innovation was tested on blood samples from 43 breast cancer patients, revealing changes in HER2 status that had not been detected by initial tissue biopsies. In several cases, HER2-negative patients were later found to have HER2-positive CTCs, indicating a shift in tumour biology over time.
This discovery underscores the potential of ANGLE’s liquid biopsy to dynamically monitor cancer progression, providing critical insights that could alter treatment strategies for patients who may benefit from HER2-targeted therapies.
Non-Invasive Monitoring: A Leap Forward for Personalised Cancer Treatment
ANGLE’s novel liquid biopsy tests allow oncologists to track changes in tumour biology through simple blood samples, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional biopsies. This approach offers real-time insights into tumour evolution, enabling doctors to adjust treatments more effectively as the disease progresses.
“Liquid biopsy technology, such as our Parsortix-based assays, has the potential to transform how we detect and monitor cancer, offering a less invasive and more comprehensive method to guide treatment decisions,” ANGLE stated.
Promising Future for Liquid Biopsy in Cancer Care
ANGLE’s latest data presentation at the AACR conference marks a significant step forward in the application of liquid biopsy for cancer diagnostics. The ability to detect key biomarkers like PD-L1 and HER2 through non-invasive means opens new avenues for personalised cancer treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for repeat invasive biopsies.
By offering a more dynamic and accurate picture of tumour biology, ANGLE’s Parsortix-based assays are setting a new standard for cancer diagnostics, paving the way for more tailored therapeutic approaches and advancing the field of precision oncology. As the technology continues to evolve, it could become an integral part of routine cancer care, providing vital information to clinicians and patients alike.
The success of these assays highlights ANGLE’s commitment to developing innovative solutions in cancer diagnostics, reinforcing its position as a leader in the rapidly growing liquid biopsy market. With ongoing collaborations and further research, ANGLE is poised to make a significant impact on the future of cancer treatment.
