ANGLE PLC (AIM:AGL, OTCQX:ANPCY), the developer of a unique liquid biopsy innovation, presented new data at the American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference highlighting significant advances in cancer diagnostics.
The company showcased two Parsortix-based assays aimed at improving personalised treatment for patients with lung and breast cancer.
The first study introduced an immunofluorescence assay to monitor programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) status in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from metastatic lung cancer patients.
PD-L1 is a protein that helps cancer evade immune responses and its assessment is essential in determining the suitability of immunotherapy. The assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in identifying PD-L1 markers from patient blood samples.
Analysis of 32 lung cancer patients revealed PD-L1-positive CTCs in 72% of those classified as PD-L1-positive by tissue biopsy. Additionally, 27% of patients initially labelled as PD-L1-negative through tissue testing were found to have PD-L1-positive CTCs.
These findings indicate the potential of liquid biopsies to provide more comprehensive insights into tumour heterogeneity and evolution over time, addressing the limitations of conventional tissue biopsies.
The second study focused on the development of a HER2 assay kit for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
HER2 is a protein that can promote cancer growth, and its status is critical for determining eligibility for targeted therapies.
ANGLE, in collaboration with BioView, developed a scoring system to assess HER2 expression in CTCs.
The study analysed blood samples from 43 breast cancer patients, uncovering cases where HER2 status had shifted from negative to positive over time.
This change, undetected by initial tissue biopsies, highlights the potential of liquid biopsy technology to guide treatment decisions for patients who may benefit from HER2-targeted therapies.
Both tests allow doctors to monitor cancer changes over time with simple blood samples, helping them adjust treatments as the disease evolves.