What You Should Know:
– Spectrum Solutions, LLC announced the publishing of findings from their research collaboration with the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Dr. David Wong, UCLA School of Dentistry that successfully demonstrated a superior ability to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from saliva.
– Specifically, amplified EGFR mutations associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using Spectrum’s saliva collection and preservation system with the Electric Field–Induced Release and Measurement (EFRIM) electrostatic platform.
Detecting EGFR Mutations in Saliva
The published research, “Proficiency Testing of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations Detection in Saliva Using Spectrum Saliva Collector (SDNA-1000) and Preservative Solution Detected by Electric Field-Induced Release and Measurement,” Feng Li et al, is an unprecedented feat in modern medicine.
Many advances in targeted treatments for lung cancer are based on the evaluation of three EGFR gene mutations. Current methods for diagnosis and monitoring include invasive tissue biopsies, which create clinical obstacles for ongoing mutation analysis and cancer treatment. The less invasive liquid biopsy options using free-floating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in solid tumor cancers have quickly become an important part of the screening, diagnosis and monitoring process for cancer patients.
When paired with new technology developed at UCLA by Dr. Wong, known as EFIRM, study findings have demonstrated an impressive 14-fold amplification of detectable usctDNA from saliva collected and stabilized using Spectrum’s SDNA-1000 compared to raw or neat saliva. Additionally, after diluting the signal down to 10 percent of the original concentration, the team continued to see enhanced amplification benefits from the Spectrum device, leading scientists to believe detection of a single ctDNA fragment may now be possible.
“The ability to detect EGFR mutations using ctDNA enables a broad range of clinical applications for laboratory medicine such as the early detection of disease, practical applications of personalized treatments, predicting treatment response and monitoring resistance,” said Rohit Gupta, Chief Medical Officer for Spectrum Solutions. “Proving it can be done using saliva is groundbreaking.”
