Molecular biological cancer diagnostics close gaps in cancer screening

Molekularbiologische Krebs-Diagnostik - oncgnostics auf der MEDICA
  • Two tests for cervical cancer with different objectives in cervical cancer screening
  • Liquid biopsy for rapid and gentle diagnosis of head and neck tumours
  • Current studies: GynTect DNA methylation test more sensitive than cytological examination
  • New investor enables sales expansion in ASEAN countries
  • At MEDICA at the joint booth of medways e.V. in Hall 3, booth G74

Jena / Düsseldorf, November 02, 2023 – oncgnostics GmbH will present its molecular biological cancer diagnostics, its products and current study results at MEDICA, the largest trade fair in the medical industry. Oncgnostics develops patented, highly informative biomarkers. This technology improves existing cervical cancer diagnostics and also, using liquid biopsy, lays the foundation for early detection of head and neck tumours.

Molecular biological cancer diagnostics

DNA methylation forms the basis of oncgnostics’ work. This modification occurs at specific DNA regions when cancer develops or is already present. The tests from oncgnostics detect these changes.

Tests for cervical cancer: improving screening

The screening test GynTect is used in cervical cancer diagnostics and is sold in several European countries and under exclusive licence in China. In China, it is the first DNA methylation test for triage of HPV-positive cases. In Germany and Europe, GynTect closes gaps in the clarification of screening abnormalities through its rapid and reliable results.

ScreenYu Gyn is a further development of GynTect. The screening test uses only one methylated DNA region, whereas GynTect detects six methylated marker regions. This makes ScreenYu Gyn suitable for automation, which allows new areas of application.

Liquid biopsy as the key to head and neck tumour diagnostics

Tumours in the head and neck region are among the five most common cancers worldwide. Nevertheless, there is no established early detection for this type of tumour. Most diagnostic methods are expensive, laborious and involve invasive biopsies. To achieve the goal of an established early detection for head and neck tumours, oncgnostics relies on molecular biological diagnostics using liquid biopsies such as saliva or oral smear samples. The current OncSaliva study is testing the suitability of epigenetic tumour markers for the detection of head and neck tumours in liquid biopsies.

Study: GynTect is more sensitive than Pap test

GynTect detects all cancers, while the cytological examination misses two cases. This was the result of a large-scale study that served as basis for the approval of the test in China. Furthermore, in the study the specificity and sensitivity for detecting high-grade precancerous lesions were also better and equivalent, respectively. Thus, GynTect has a better clinical performance than the so-called Pap test.

Chinese investor enables new opportunities in sales and research

Another strong partner, Hong Kong-based Grande Bio-tech Co. Ltd., invested in oncgnostics GmbH in July. One goal of this partnership is to expand the distribution of the tests developed by oncgnostics in the ASEAN countries.

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About oncgnostics:

Oncgnostics GmbH, a biotech startup spin off from the Jena University Hospital, develops molecular biology tests for cancer diagnostics based on epigenetic changes in the human genome. With GynTect, the company introduced an innovation in the field of cervical cancer screening. Currently, the startup is developing further tests for head and neck cancers. The team of researchers led by founders Dr. Alfred Hansel (CEO) and Dr. Martina Schmitz (CSO) received the Thuringia Innovation Prize twice (2014, 2017) for their diagnostic approach.

 

Free image material: www.oncgnostics.com/downloads

 

Contact:
Ines Sommer
Communication and marketing
Löbstedter Straße 41
07749 Jena, Germany
Tel.: +49 3641/55485 51

pr(at)oncgnostics.com

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