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If you could help make a miracle for Ryan, would you?

The question is as simple as that.  If your answer is‘yes’please join Falls Community Hospital and Clinic volunteers andcontributors who are on a mission to help make a miracle forRyan.

When Ryan is at his best, one would never know he has any healthissues.  He loves to play outside with his friends.  He has tons ofenergy and gets along great with everyone.  Ryan easily takescenter stage with quips like last Thanksgiving, two months beforehis birthday when he informed us that, “technically, I am alreadyeleven.”  We laughed but “technically” we knew he was already amiracle. 

Eleven years ago Ryan was born with total intestinalHirschsprung’s Disease, a congenital disorder in which the ganglioncells are absent.

Even though Ryan’s story to date has been very challenging withdaily obstacles, we feel blessed and think of Ryan as our miracleboy.  Ryan has had to deal with 8 major gut surgeries in additionto 8 other minor surgeries.  These numbers do not include thecountless hospitalizations he has had through the years for variousissues.

Currently, Ryan has a port-a-cath for IV nutrition five nights aweek, a gastrostomy tube, and a permanent ileostomy because hisentire colon was removed in 2006.  He just completed fifth grade atGreat Oaks Elementary.  Ryan has an older brother Zackary who willgo to ninth grade in the fall 2011.

Ryan was diagnosed at birth, January 18, 2000, and doctors atthe Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania recommended alife-saving small bowel transplant. An estimated $75,000 is beingraised by Round Rock and Marlin volunteers. With the cost of atransplant often exceeding $500,000, many transplant patients areunable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure.  TheChildren’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a nationalcharity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raisingfunds for transplant-needy patients. Ryan’s website is http://cotaforryant.com.

Thursday evening, June 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., FCHC volunteers arehaving a cake auction at the Marlin High School auditorium. Morethan 50 homemade cakes will be auctioned to the highest bidder.Everyone is welcome to join in the miracle making and go home witha delicious homemade cake. Sausage Wraps, chips and drinks will beavailable for a $2.50 donation.

Ryan is the son of Kevin and Kristi Tomlinson of Round Rock. Hisgrandparents are Kenneth and Sherry Greak of Kingsland, Texas andKen and Sharon Tomlinson of Marlin.

A miracle for Ryan – The Marlin Democrat: News

Tags: Falls Community Hospital, eleven years, Marlin High School, port a cath, TheChildren’s Organ Transplant Association, community hospital

By Tim Sturtridge & Alejandro P

Tags: Alejandro P Lionel, Diego Maradona, Tim Sturtridge, argentina team, team mates, Lionel Messi

State statistics show fewer Fall River residents seeking publicly funded substance-abuse treatment for heroin and other addictions during the past decade, with admissions falling 15 percent — and 23 percent for heroin alone — at state-funded centers. Statewide, admissions to publicly funded centers have fallen by 12 percent.

But the city’s deadly heroin addiction, which is among the worst in the state, has not improved at all. It may even be worsening, according to local treatment-service providers. “We’re not seeing a decrease here,” said Nancy Paull, the chief executive officer of Stanley Street Treatment and Resources, or SSTAR. Exactly how much need exists for services can be tough to gauge, she said. “The trouble is, we’re at capacity and we’re always at capacity. We’re still turning away patients every day for a lack of space.” Heroin was 17 percent more likely to be cited by addicts seeking help in Fall River than the state average, according to the state Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. Only Lynn and New Bedford had higher rates among Massachusetts cities, and only by slight margins. “It is a problem, big time,” said David Costa, the director of Towne House Clubhouse on Purchase Street, an informal center for those with mental illness, which often also include substance abuse. “It’s big-time in this community.” From 2005 to 2007, the most recent years for which statistics are available, 66 Fall Riverites died of opiate overdoses — far surpassing the murder rate during that period and accounting for 90 percent of all overdose deaths. Last year, heroin abuse accounted for 175 visits to the emergency department at Fall River’s Charlton Memorial Hospital and 365 visits at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, according to Southcoast Hospitals. The declining substance-abuse treatment admissions at public centers across the state could, on the surface, indicate that drug addiction is less of an issue. But the head of the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said the decline probably does not mean that fewer addicts are receiving treatment they need — in fact, quite the opposite. After Massachusetts passed its landmark health care reform law in 2006, more people are insured and likely able to access treatment funded by sources other than the state, said Michael Botticelli, director of the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. “As more and more clients are insured, our dollars are being used increasingly for other kinds of support services other than treatment admissions,” Botticelli said. Some providers agreed that more clients may be using Medicaid-funded plans or other means to access treatment, but they also pointed to sharp budget cuts to state treatment services in fiscal 2003 as another possible reason for an overall decline. Some program directors also said while more people are insured, that’s not a guarantee a carrier will cover certain types of substance-abuse treatment. “I need to turn away a lot of people because their insurance company has essentially disagreed with us and decided that the person does not need treatment,” said Mark Anderson, director of inpatient services for Spectrum Health Systems, which has seven offices statewide. Providers said overall demand for substance abuse treatment remains high, particularly as the number of people struggling with heroin and other opiates has soared. Heroin is now nearly as common as alcohol among users seeking treatment at state-funded facilities. “It’s an equal-opportunity destroyer,” said Vic DiGravio, president of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, which represents nearly 100 organizations in Massachusetts that treat mental illness and substance-abuse disorders. “It doesn’t discriminate against race or socio-economics or geography. It’s an epidemic.”

ADMISSIONS FOLLOW FUNDING Bureau of Substance Abuse Services-funded programs saw 123,000 admissions in 2001, according to the state. People treated more than once in a year were counted each time they were admitted. State-funded admissions peaked for the decade the following year, with 124,000 admissions in 2002. Just two years later, that number plunged to the lowest point in the decade, 104,000, in the wake of severe budget cuts. In fiscal 2003, the number of publicly funded detox beds alone dropped by half. In part, those cuts may still account for lower admissions today, treatment providers said. Since then, state-funded admissions gradually rose along with restored funding, Botticelli said. Patients likely have more options for treatment after health care reform, Botticelli said, using either Medicaid-funded coverage or private insurance to pay for services. The number of uninsured people in Massachusetts has dropped from close to 10 percent to less than 2 percent since the law went into effect, according to state officials. People who still lack insurance remain a significant number of those who seek treatment from state-funded substance abuse programs, Botticelli said, particularly young men. Detox admissions and other forms of more acute treatment remain steady, he said.

INTERPRETING DATA It can be difficult to say for sure what role health care reform has played in the recent dip because only programs that receive state funding report admissions data to the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, offering a limited snapshot of available treatment services. The Division of Health Care Finance and Policy is working on a database with admission information from all providers, which could help pin down an answer. “We’ll be able to look at, in a health care reform environment, did more people get treatment?” Botticelli said. Trends among Massachusetts cities during the past decade also varied widely from the 12-percent average drop in admissions. Lawrence, a city slightly smaller than Fall River, had nearly half the number of admissions in 2010 as it did a decade before, for example, and Brockton had one-fourth less. New Bedford, on the other hand, had a 9 percent increase. Area towns, whose numbers are smaller and can fluctuate more, had some notable increases. Swansea, for example, saw a 42-percent spike in admissions, and Somerset’s rose by 17 percent.

SHIFTING FUNDING Treatment providers described state funding as inadequate for certain outpatient programs, and said that may discourage some providers from continuing to participate. A Tewksbury detox program, for example, was forced to close late last year amid financial problems, DiGravio said. “Ultimately,” he said, “providers get to a point where they cannot continue to deal with significant financial losses.” Whatever the cause of the dip in state-funded admissions, it has contributed to changes in the state’s approach to substance abuse. Botticelli said his bureau has focused more on services that identify and help people with substance abuse problems before they reach an acute stage, and providing support services that people need to continue in recovery. For $2.3 million a year, Massachusetts now runs six peer recovery support centers meant to give recovering addicts a safe place to socialize and get help finding jobs and housing. The state also secured funding to open three high schools specifically for teens recovering from addiction.

Email Grant Welker at gwelker@heraldnews.com.

Despite continuing heroin problems, fewer Fall Riverites seeking publicly funded treatment, data show

Tags: Nancy Paull, Fall River, Vic DiGravio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMiami, FL (July 12, 2011)- In just a few days, The Raleigh hotel in South Beach will become the epicenter of fashion for the seventh season of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, and all eyes will be on the collections of thirty of the hottest swimwear designers. The event is made possible by the Official Sponsors of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, who will be providing a variety of services and amenities, as well has hosting events throughout the week. Detailed below is a list of all sponsor activities for the 2012 Collections.Mercedes-Benz :• This season, LUXE by Lisa Vogel receives the distinguished title of “Mercedes-Benz Presents” Designer and is showcasing the brand for the first time. Known for its smart, stylish, sexy bikinis and coordinating resort wear for modern women, LUXE by Lisa Vogel will show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim on Sunday, July 17.

• The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is making its Southern Florida debut during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. This hard-top convertible takes the luxury roadster experience to new heights featuring cutting-edge technology like Magic Sky Control, which allows the transparent glass roof to be darkened or lightened in seconds at the touch of a button. Attendees will also get a glimpse of the all-new 2012 C-Class Coupe which debuts this September.

• Lindsay Albanese, stylist of Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer, LUXE by Lisa Vogel, will host a private event in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge to discuss trends in convertibility from road to runway.• The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force is going on patrol in the new 2012 CLS63 AMG to spot “stylesetters” with fresh, creative design looks and alluring appeal. The Fashion Force is teaming up with local Miami stylist, Danny Santiago along with other well-known fashion influencers to carry out the mission. Each “stylesetter” chosen is awarded a ride to their next destination and a lucky few will receive an invitation to the culmination event in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge.

American Express:• American Express® is proud to return to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, connecting Cardmembers with the fashion industry through exclusive access and unique experiences.

• American Express Cardmembers will have the opportunity to experience the runway excitement through special event packages to shows featuring the 2012 swimwear collections of top designers, exclusive access to the American Express poolside cabana at The Raleigh to relax between shows, enjoy light bites and drinks, meet industry influencers and more.

• American Express is proud to showcase its continued commitment to its fashion-savvy Cardmembers through access to unique fashion experiences throughout the year from intimate designer meet and greets, exclusive Cardmember-only retail experiences, unparalleled access to runway collections and much more. To learn more about American Express’ special access into the world of fashion, please visit americanexpress.com/entertainment.

AriZona Beverages:• AriZona Beverages is pleased to strut their stuff as the Official Water Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

• AriZona’s newest product CocoZona will be featured throughout the event–100% pure coconut water in a re-sealable and recyclable aluminum bottle made from young green Indonesian coconuts.

• Get your vitamin on! AriZona partnered with TwinLab for its vitamin enhanced RESCUE Waters where each flavor corresponds with a specific function including Lemon-Lime Energy, Orange Citrus Detox, Pomegranate Punch Immunity, Berry Blend Relax and Blueberry Coconut Hydrate. Whatever you need, AriZona has you covered.

• Vapor Water is bottled water with a clean, crisp taste that has been infused with electrolytes designed to help increase a person’s rate of hydration and enhance performance during physical activity.

DHL:• The Perfect Fit for Fashion, DHL is returning to the runways in Miami for the fifth straight season as the Official Logistics Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

• DHL’s capabilities targeting the fashion sector, including fashion week events worldwide, offer full customized, integrated logistics solutions, supply chain management services and door-to-door deliveries.

• DHL’s global expertise, service excellence and international focus, which spans more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, helps customers in the fashion and apparel industry operate more efficiently and effectively.

• DHL is also the proud sponsor of the White Sands Australia designer runway show on July 15, where the resort wear label will showcase its 2012 swimwear collection.

MAKE UP FOR EVER:• MAKE UP FOR EVER is thrilled to serve as official make up sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim for the third consecutive year, providing expert make up applications backstage at top swim shows and helping local Miami fashionistas embrace summer’s boldest trends.

• As the go-to beauty brand for make up that outperforms in extreme environments, MAKE UP FOR EVER’S collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim provides the ideal venue to launch and test new products that are created to last, whether under hot runway lights or in the humid Miami air.

• From July 14th – 18th, MAKE UP FOR EVER ALLIANCE artists will be collaborating with top swimwear designers to create eye-catching make up looks that light up the runways. In addition, the brand can also be found at a number of events and lounges taking place throughout theEvent.

Microsoft Corp:• Windows is debuting as an Official Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 Collections.

• A hand-picked collection of the season’s hottest Windows PCs – in a range of styles, sizes, colors and materials – will be showcased at an exclusive event in The Raleigh’s stunning Penthouse on July 17. Starring in the showcase will be three one-of-a-kind customized Windows PCs featuring the cutting edge designs and vibrant colors from Benny Rosset’s Cia.Marítima 2012 collection.

• New Windows PCs allow users to express their unique personal style with an optimum blend of the design and the tools – such as Windows 7, Windows Live and Internet Explorer 9 – to help them do more of what they love to do.

• The first ever Press Lounge at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will be open July 14 thru 18 exclusively for credentialed press and industry representatives attending the Event. The Windows PC Press Lounge will provide an area for press to work, write and file stories, conduct interviews, and lounge throughout the Event. Multiple workstations will be equipped with state of the art PCs loaded with the latest in Microsoft software products, including Windows 7, Windows Live, Office 2010 and Internet Explorer 9.

Ocean Drive:• Ocean Drive magazine is the quintessential fashion and lifestyle magazine for South Florida, delivering the latest trends in fashion, beauty, art, travel, real estate and entertainment. For seven years Ocean Drive magazine has been an Official Media Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

• The July/August 2011 Swim Issue features IMG Models cover star Chrissy Teigen. A party to celebrate the release of this issue with cover Star Chrissy Teigen will be held at WET and WALL at 2201 Collins Ave on Thursday, July 14th.

• The July/August 2011 Swim Issue is complete with the official “Swim Guide 2011” insert which can be found throughout the convention center and at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

• For more information please visit www.oceandrive.com; www.facebook.com/oceandrive.magazine; @oceandrivemag.

The Raleigh:• The Raleigh hotel, official host of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim for the 7th consecutive year, provides a picture-perfect backdrop with its understated elegance and art-deco grandeur.• The pool which was named “one of the Sexiest Pools in America,” by Condé Nast Traveler, is turned in to a catwalk and social scene for some of the world’s biggest models, editors, photographers and fashion fans.• The Royal restaurant opened to critical acclaim in December 2010. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch in the warm and chic outdoor garden while experiencing the continental cuisine.• Don’t forget to visit Miami’s main attraction: the beach! The Raleigh takes the art of beaching to a new level. Comfy chaise lounges, fresh towels, umbrellas and gourmet food delivered right to you.• After a long day of shows, The Raleigh is offering a late night tapas menu in The Martini Bar, Lobby Café and Upper Lobby.

SKYY® Vodka:• Red hot Kristin Cavallari (The Hills) will strut down the catwalk in a spectacular, never-before seen swim suit designed by DIESEL and inspired by SKYY® Vodka’s signature cobalt blue bottle during DIESEL’s opening night show.

• Following the runway show, Kristin, along with numerous other boldfaced names, celebrity DJ Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl), and DIESEL will join SKYY Vodka, the official vodka of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, as they present the Official Kick Off Party at The Raleigh.

• The exclusive DIESEL runway show, taking place at 7 PM on Thursday, July 14 at the Cabaña Grande venue at The Raleigh, will feature DIESEL’s latest men’s and women’s swimwear designs along with a show-stopping, limited-edition collection of DIESEL-designed swimwear inspired by SKYY’s iconic cobalt blue bottle. The centerpiece of the show will be the unique SKYY glass bikini, modeled by Cavallari.

• Later that evening, the Official Kick Off Party, the most coveted invite at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, will take place at The Raleigh pool deck and Oasis at 8:00 PM, featuring music by celebrity DJ Jessica Szohr. SKYY will serve an array of sensual cocktails, serving as the perfect fashion accessory to DIESEL’s design essence and the sultry, sexy backdrop of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

• Throughout the rest of the week, SKYY will continue to infuse its signature brand of sexy into the event. From Friday, July 15 to Monday, July 18, SKYY will hold court in its custom VIP cabana in the Raleigh’s Oasis. Amid extravagant tropical foliage and a cascading waterfall, the SKYY Cabana, featuring models dressed in DIESEL-designed SKYY swimwear and seductive, thirst-quenching SKYY cocktails, will pamper celebrities and fashion insiders in real style.

• At the exclusive Raleigh penthouse, the invite-only lounge hosting private events throughout the week, select media, designers, celebrities and influencers will enjoy a custom SKYY bar, and hand delivered signature cocktails.

• For those unable to finagle an invite to these coveted events, DIESEL and SKYY will also bring the pulsating energy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim to the DIESEL store on Friday, July 15 at 801 Washington Avenue for an evening of tantalizing cocktails, shopping and music by a surprise celebrity DJ. The event will feature live models modeling DIESEL clothing in the windows and celebrity appearances by Szohr and others. Get all the details at facebook.com/skyyvodka.

TRESemmé:• TRESemmé will once again showcase stunning styles on and off the runway as an Official Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 for a second season.• The brand has sponsored Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York for the past six seasons.• TRESemmé is sponsoring Mara Hoffman Swim for a second time on Saturday, July 16 at 8 PM inside the Cabaña Grande. They have also sponsored the designer’s show in New York.• TRESemmé Lead Stylist Elsa Canedo will be creating the look for the show with the brand’s popular Fresh Start Collection.

• TRESemmé stylists will also be on-hand at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge inside The Raleigh on July 15th at a private event from 3:30-5:30pm. Here, they will provide guests with complimentary ponytails and summer up-do’s that will look great in the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Convertible they are debuting at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

• The brand will continue to provide fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes content available on TRESemme.com, as well as the TRESemmé Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages.• Those attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will be encouraged to stay cool inside the TRESemmé Cabana, where they will get a sneak peek at the latest innovations behind the Fresh Start Collection and walk away with a sample of the beauty award-winning TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo.• As the #1 styling brand in the U.S., TRESemmé continues to provide women worldwide with salon-beautiful, chair-worthy hair at an affordable price.

The five days of exclusive invitation-only shows and events will present the 2012 Swimwear collections of Diesel, White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Beach Bunny Swimwear, Crystal Jin, L*Space by Monica Wise, Wildfox Swim, Caffé Swimwear, Dolores Cortés, Mara Hoffman Swim, Aqua Di Lara, A.Ché, Norma Kamali Swimwear, Red Carter, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama, LUXE by Lisa Vogel, Lisa Blue, diNeila Brazil, A.Z Araujo, Aguaclara, Aquarella Swimwear, Have Faith Swimwear, Kooey Swimwear Australia, Nicolita, Sonia Vera Swimwear, JOGO Beach, Perfect Tan Bikini, Tavik Swimwear and ZINGARA.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim brings together the top international names in swim at The Raleigh hotel, with thousands of fashion industry insiders, press, buyers, celebrities and VIPs descending on Miami Beach for what has become the largest swimwear event in the world. Two runway venues- the Cabaña Grande and the Oasis, and the Historic Raleigh Pool and Penthouse provide optimal spaces for the week of shows, press previews and events.

Mercedes-Benz, the title sponsor of the event, is joined by American Express®, DHL, MAKE UP FOR EVER, TRESemmé, SKYY Vodka, Microsoft Corp., The Raleigh, AriZona Beverages, Ocean Drive Magazine, California Apparel News Waterwear and Getty Images.Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim is an IMG event.

Merelda Mckinnon

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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 Collections Sponsor News

Tags: Lindsay Albanese, lifestyle magazine, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

Originally published June 13.

By Turna RayAgendia will deploy its ColoPrint colon cancer recurrence test in a collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Netherlands Cancer Institute intended to further understand the molecular pathways driving the disease. The study will also yield additional validation data on ColoPrint that, if positive, will likely bolster the regulatory and reimbursement prospects for the test in the US.

As part of the project, “Agendia will perform gene expression analysis on colon cancer samples of known clinical outcome from MD Anderson cancer center to validate the ColoPrint signature,” a company representative told PGx Reporter.

The broader objective of the collaboration between the three entities is to employ multiple genomic and proteomic analysis methods to uncover the pathways driving colon cancer subtypes and the molecular mechanisms behind differential response to treatments.

“We will use multiple ‘omics’ technologies to ask which kinase signaling pathways are activated in colon cancer,” the Agendia spokesperson said last week, following the announcement of the collaboration.

Within the partnership, the Netherlands Cancer Institute will perform exome sequencing of the kinome of hundreds of tumor samples that MD Anderson will provide. In these same samples, MD Anderson will use reverse phase protein lysate array technology to analyze activated kinases. Agendia’s role in the study will be to perform gene expression analysis with ColoPrint.

Knowledge of the major driver pathways in colon cancer will “enable patient-tailored treatment regimens for individual colon cancer patients,” the Agendia representative said.

Using these various genomic and proteomic analysis methods, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, MD Anderson, and Agendia will characterize each tumor sample by gene expression, gene mutation, and protein activation. Researchers will then combine this data with patients’ pathological and clinical data.

This is the second partnership Agendia has formed in the past month around colon cancer. In mid-May, Agendia entered the companion diagnostics space for the first time, signing a deal wit AstraZeneca and the Netherlands Cancer Institute to apply its diagnostics capabilities to accelerating the development of targeted colon cancer drugs. Under the deal, it is also possible that Agendia will develop commercial companion diagnostics for specific drugs in AstraZeneca’s pipeline (PGx Reporter 05/11/2011). It is unclear if ColoPrint will be used in this Rx/Dx partnership.

Agendia is in the final development stages for ColoPrint, an array-based gene expression profiling test for predicting the risk of distant recurrence of stage II and III colon cancer patients. Agendia plans to submit the test to the US Food and Drug Administration for approval but has not disclosed a timeline for doing so.

Two years ago at the American Society for Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, Agendia presented data from the study through which it developed the gene expression signature underlying the ColoPrint test. In the study, a research team from Agendia and other research institutions in the Netherlands found that ColoPrint was able to “predict the prognosis of stage II and III colon cancer patients and facilitate the identification of patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.”

Researchers used Agilent 44K oligonucleotide arrays to analyze frozen tissue samples from 180 Stage I-III colon cancer patients undergoing surgery. Based on full-genome expression measurements, the study authors classified patients into three molecular subclasses: A, B, and C (PGx Reporter 02/03/2009).

Survival analysis showed that 27 patients in subclass C had poor outcome, while 48 patients in subclass A had good outcome. The researchers used data from 104 subclass B patients (the intermediate group) to develop a gene signature associated with five-year distant metastasis free survival.

This gene signature was validated in 178 tissue samples from patients with Stage II and Stage III colon cancer, who were followed for almost six years. At five years, 90 percent of patients classified as low risk by ColoPrint and just over 60 percent of high-risk patients had survived disease-free.

At this year’s ASCO meeting, researchers from Agendia and several other European institutions provided an update on the Prospective study for the Assessment of Recurrence risk in Stage II colon cancer patients, or PARSC, involving the 18-gene expression profile test. PARSC began in September 2008, including 26 participating sites in 11 countries, but is still attempting to recruit a large enough patient cohort to yield significant results.

The aim of the study is to validate the ability of the ColoPrint profile to pick out which patients will relapse within three years compared to risk assessments conducted using clinical parameters and ASCO’s recommendations for high-risk stage II patients.

So far, out of 262 stage II patients, 214 are eligible for evaluation. Researchers plan to launch an interim analysis after 300 eligible stage II patients have been enrolled. Approximately 600 stage II patients are needed to differentiate with statistical significance between three-year recurrence-free survival predicted by ColoPrint and clinical factors.

ColoPrint is marketed in certain European markets with a CE marking. Agendia recently filed to go public in Europe. The company hopes to raise around €81.4 million ($119 million) in the IPO.

Have topics you’d like to see covered in Pharmacogenomics Reporter? Contact the editor at tray [at] genomeweb [.] com.

Agendia to Collaborate with MD Anderson, Netherlands Institute to Further Validate ColoPrint

Tags: Colon Cancer, us food and drug administration, colon cancer patients, md anderson cancer center, molecular pathways, the Netherlands Cancer Institute