INDIA: CellMax Life Announces Genetic Cancer Risk Test for 98 Genes, 24 Hereditary Cancers
New Saliva Test offers broadest gene panel
Sunnyvale, CA, Nov 16, 2016 – CellMax Life, the precision cancer testing company, announced today the immediate availability in India of the CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test, which examines 98 genes across 24 hereditary cancers using its proprietary SMSEQ™ Platform. The CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test requires only a saliva sample.
CellMax Life’s DNA test uses next generation sequencing to detect gene mutations known to increase lifetime cancer risk. The test surveys for increased risk of 24 cancers including some of the most common cancers: breast, lip, lung, colorectal and stomach, along with prostate, bladder, thyroid, ovary and others.
As an example of the extensive breadth of the gene panel analyzed by CellMax Life, to assess breast cancer risk, the CellMax-DNA test covers BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes entirely, and also examines a number of other genes associated with breast cancer, including ATM, BARD1, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PPM1D, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11, TP53.
Genetic Mutations Can Increase Cancer risk by 20 times
Genetic mutations associated with increased cancer risk are passed from parent to offspring. These inherited abnormal genes are in contrast to acquired mutations which occur after birth and over time, and include environmental factors and lifestyle choices such as smoking or sun exposure.
Individuals with certain inherited genetic mutations carry a higher lifetime risk for various cancers. Their risk of getting these cancers can be up to 20 times greater than individuals without these mutations. Cancers impacted by these inherited gene mutations are typically referred to as hereditary cancers.
“The public has already been fairly well-educated on the value of genetic testing for breast cancer,” said Dr. Ashish Nimgaonkar, MD, Asst. Professor of Medicine and Associate Medical Director, Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design at Johns Hopkins University, USA. “The ability of the CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test to identify mutations associated with 24 hereditary cancers in an affordable saliva test, is valuable to both patients and their doctors in planning for appropriate screening frequency and preventative measures.”
“Early cancer detection is the most effective way to fight cancer,” said Dr. Tai Cheng-Jeng, MD, PhD, Chief, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan. “CellMax Life’s convenient genetic cancer saliva DNA test based on the next generation sequencing SMSEQ platform offers the broadest gene panel for known hereditary cancers, allowing doctors and their patients to collaborate on personalized, optimal health planning.”
Cancer Risk Identification Enables Personalized Screening for More Effective Medicine
According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, more than 4 in 10 people in the United States will get cancer in their lifetime. Individuals who inherit mutated genes associated with cancer:
- Have a greater risk of getting cancer
- Tend to get their cancers earlier in life
- The cancer is usually more aggressive
Thus, individuals who know they have inherited an increased cancer risk can work with their doctors to plan for earlier and more frequent cancer screening.
It is well-accepted that the prognosis for cancer survival is higher when detected at early stages. The survival outlook is assessed by the 5-year survival rate stratified based on stage of detection. Some examples are shown below.
- Colorectal cancer: Stage one has more than 90% survival rate, while stage three and four detection survival is as low as 10%.
- Breast cancer: Stage one has almost a 100% survival rate. Stage four cancer has only 22%.
“Our goal is to make personalized, comprehensive cancer diagnostics affordable and accessible to every individual,” said Dr. Mana K Javey, MD, PhD, VP of Medical Affairs, CellMax Life. “By providing the industry’s broadest gene panel for hereditary cancer risk testing, we are enabling individuals and their physicians to do high-impact health planning.”
About the SMSEQ Platform and CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Test
The CellMax SMSEQ™ platform has an analytical specificity of ≥99.999%This patented technology, combined with years of research and development advancements enables CellMax to offer an extremely cost effective and comprehensive genetic cancer risk test, utilizing an expanded 98 gene panel using personal DNA from a saliva sample.
The CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test is available immediately via CellMax Life’s CLIA certified laboratory in Sunnyvale, CA. The test is priced at ₹30,000 INR, and can be ordered online or through CellMax Life’s provider network. No dietary restrictions or medication alterations are necessary.
For more information, please visit CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test.
Case Study: 32-year-old Learns of Hereditary Cancer Risk
Mr. Chen, 32-year-old resident of Kaohsiung, has a family history of cancer, which concerned him for many years. Mr. Chen took the CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test, and learned that he carried a genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of cancer.
“My family has a history of cancer, but no one had ever been tested for genetic cancer risk — so I had been worried for many years. When I learned I could find out whether I personally had an increased risk for hereditary cancers through a saliva test, I decided to take it,” said Mr. Chen.
He continued: “I found out that I do carry a genetic mutation related to increased risk of colorectal cancer. Knowing this I will begin screening earlier, and do it more frequently that I would have otherwise.”
About CellMax Life
CellMax Life, Inc. is a precision cancer blood-testing company providing comprehensive, personalized multi-biomarker technology platforms for genetic cancer risk assessment, early detection and personalized treatment of cancer. CellMax Life’s products include CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test, and CellMax-CRC Colorectal Cancer Screening, a multi-biomarker blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer. For more information, please visit www.cellmaxlife.com, tw.cellmaxlife.com, or call +1 650-564-3905 (U.S.), or (+886) 0800-555-885 (Taiwan). Offices are at: 1271 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 and 18F-1 Park Street, Nangkang, Taipei City.
