AstraZeneca and Roche to develop diagnostic test for lung cancer drug

AstraZeneca is allying with Roche to create a companion diagnostic test to support AZD9291, its investigational compound in clinical development for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The plasma-based companion diagnostic test is designed to identify epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in both tumour tissue and plasma derived from patients with this form of lung cancer, making it easier to determine who will benefit most from the therapy.

AZD9291 is currently in development specifically for patients who are resistant to first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Currently, individuals have to undergo a repeat biopsy to assess whether they have specific mutations, but the new tool will offer a convenient new method.

NSCLC accounts for around 80 to 85 per cent of all lung cancer cases. However, at the time of diagnosis approximately 70 percent of NSCLC patients have already developed advanced or metastatic disease, which is not amenable to surgical resection. 

Mondher Mahjoubi, senior vice-president for global product strategy for oncology at AstraZeneca, said: "Understanding the nature of each individual's tumour and therefore which medicine is most likely to benefit them is vital if we are to transform the way cancer patients are diagnosed and treated."

This week, the company announced its financial results for the second quarter of the year, during which it saw a year-on-year sales increase of four percent.