Quest Diagnostics released new gene expression test for melanoma risk prediction
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Key takeaways:
- The test, MelaNodal Predict, examines patient melanoma biopsies, and applies an algorithm to assess nodal metastasis risk.
- Providers may order this test from Quest or Dermpath Diagnostics.
Quest Diagnostics has launched MelaNodal Predict, an advanced predictive gene expression test for patients with melanoma, the company announced in a press release.
Lab-developed and validated by Quest Diagnostics in collaboration with SkylineDX, MelaNodal Predict examines a patient’s original skin cancer biopsy and applies an algorithm that combines patient age and tumor thickness with gene expression profiling technology to help providers identify which patients have a low or high risk of nodal metastasis.
"Melanoma test services are an important component of our broad portfolio of advanced oncology tests," Kristie Dolan, senior vice president and general manager of oncology at Quest Diagnostics, said in the release. "By leveraging our scale, we can provide MelaNodal Predict to patients and treating physicians across the country to support clinical decision making. The MelaNodal Predict test's results will help physicians identify their patient's risk of metastasis to assist in individualizing surgical decisions and patient management plans."
According to the release, using this test will minimize sentinel lymph node biopsies which are known to increase patients’ risk for surgery-related complications such as bleeding, infection and limb swelling. Patients classified as low risk by the test may choose to forgo the surgery.
The test also provides insights on patients’ long-term outcomes, with all studies of the algorithm reporting minimal follow-up after five years and a more than 90% survival rate in those that were classified as low risk, according to the release.
As of Feb 13, 2024, the test is available for dermatologists and other providers to order from Quest Diagnostics and its subspecialty pathology business, Dermpath Diagnostics.