Inno Gene developed both tests in partnership with specialists from Poznan University of Medical Sciences and the Greater Poland Cancer Centre (Wielkopolskie Centrum Onkologii, WCO) in Poznań under supervision of Prof. Andrzej Mackiewicz, Head of the WCO’s Diagnostic and Immunology Department.
The cost of one test is PLN 1.8 thousand. Inno Gene President Michał Kaszuba, however, expressed hope that in the future, in the case of some persons with familial predisposition to both cancers, tests will be refunded by the National Health Fund.
He also argued that the Polish test still cost ten times less than similar foreign tests, which cost 4-4.5 thousand euros and are less accurate, because they target fewer mutations. He assured that the effectiveness of Polish test was confirmed by laboratory tests.
"These are the only such tests in the world (...) that allow for simultaneous evaluation of hundreds of DNA fragments and occurring genetic mutations in one study" - said Jacek Wojciechowicz, biotechnologist, vice president of Inno Gene.
He explained that their uniqueness lies in the fact that they include an analysis of 169 genetic mutations responsible for cancer and return results in just two days. "No other test available in Poland and other countries has such a large scope of the examination" - insisted Wojciechowicz.
According to Kaszuba, the use both tests in Poland can bring health care savings up to PLN 200 million per year. Early detection of colorectal cancer and prostate cancer not only increases the chances of successful treatment, it also reduces the cost of treatment.
Kaszuba said that test material could be obtained at home. Patient has to collect a swab from the mouth, and send a safely packed swab to a laboratory courier or mail. The test result will be known a few days after the test date, but the final test results will have to be interpreted by a doctor (based on guidelines developed by the Greater Poland Cancer Centre).
According to dr. Tomasz Banasiewicz from the Department of General Surgery, Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, the tests are designed especially for those, whose relatives suffered from this type of cancer, and who want to determin whether they are at higher risk of this disease.
"Often, half of members of such family have a genetic propensity for these cancers. And they are usually extremely dangerous because often develop at an early age and progress rapidly" - said the oncologist from Poznań.
He assured, however, that in the case of colon cancer, performing colonoscopy more often would be sufficient. It gives a good chance for early detection of cancer, and even its prevention, if polyps are removed, which can turn into cancer.
"That is why the detection of cancer predisposition using genetic testing does not need to cause additional stress. On the contrary - it gives a sense of security, if the disease can be controlled" - explained Dr. Banasiewicz.
Kaszuba said the Polish tests are of interest to American companies, which want to market them in the U.S.
PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland
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2012-05-01