Precision Epigenomics Announces Scientific Publication on Pleural Fluid Analysis

TUCSON, Ariz. - Feb. 9, 2024 - PRLog -- Precision Epigenomics Inc. announced the publication of scientific data demonstrating the diagnostic efficiency of its multi-cancer detection test in the setting of pulmonary effusion. The study, published this month in Scientific Reports, showed that adding its methylation-based test to pleural fluid specimen analysis to detect cancer increases the sensitivity when compared to the current standard of care, cytology alone.

Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lung. There are approximately 1.5 million cases in the US each year. While the cause of fluid accumulation can be due to several conditions, cancer is a leading cause. When healthcare providers assess a patient with pleural effusion, the fluid is often removed and sent for analysis in hopes of determining if cancer is present or not, which can have a profound impact on care and prognosis. Conventional examination by microscopy detects cancer in approximately 49% of the cases that are cancerous. By adding this assay, the chances of detecting cancer improved to 84%. By detecting cancer earlier, subjecting the patient to invasive and costly procedures that often have complications can be avoided.

While the assay was designed to detect most of the common cancers in pleural effusion such as lung cancer and breast cancer, in this study it detected cancer signals for a wide variety of cancer types such as: ovarian carcinoma, angiosarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, and mesothelioma, among others.

Dr. Mark Nelson, CEO of Precision Epigenomics, added: "This study confirms that pleural fluid can be a rich source for the development of new liquid biopsy assays that could help patients."

Details of the scientific publication
Cell-free DNA methylation analysis as a marker of malignancy in pleural fluid (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53132-x)

Bixby B, Vrba L, et al. Cell-free DNA methylation analysis as a marker of malignancy in pleural fluid. Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 5;14(1):2939. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-53132-x. PMID: 38316884.

About Precision Epigenomics

Precision Epigenomics Inc. is an innovative molecular diagnostic testing service focused on improving cancer patient's diagnosis, management, and treatment. The company is known for its knowledgeable staff, commitment to patient care, and absolute dedication to quality. For additional information regarding Precision Epigenomics, please visit the company website https://precision-epigenomics.com/