The two organizations will work together using Affymetrix’ GeneChip microarray technology and CureSearch Children’s Oncology Group’s (COG’s) existing databank of more than 20,000 tumor samples to discover and validate gene expression signatures.
In a first step towards developing new cancer diagnostics, COG scientists will use Affymetrix microarrays to find genes that are similarly expressed among a group of children who share the same disease. That group of genes, called a gene expression profile or “cancer signature,” will act as a genetic fingerprint for the cancer.
Physicians could use genetic fingerprints to test new patients for cancer, enabling them to diagnose and treat the disease early before irreversible symptoms develop.
Gregory Reaman, chair of COG said the agreement would allow the companies involved: “To identify and validate potentially drugable molecular targets for pediatric cancers in a more efficient and effective manner than any one of us might accomplish alone.”