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Genetic markers for scoliosis identified
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New research has identified specific genetic markers for scoliosis, making possible the development of a prognostic DNA test for spinal curve progression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Researchers collected DNA samples from more than 9,000 patients at 85 worldwide clinical sites from 2003 until August 2008. They analyzed all patient samples using various technology platforms and evaluated specific disease classifications using the radiographic review and medical records.
They presented the results at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Scoliosis Research Society.
Researchers hope this research improves physicians’ understanding of the biology underlying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). They also hope it leads to molecular-based treatments for afflicted patients, according to a press release from Axial Biotech, the sponsor of the research.
“The AIS Prognostic Test, which can determine whether a child has a mild or more severe likelihood of curve progression, will provide comfort to thousands of children and their families every year … at the very first presentation of symptoms. This study reinforces the importance of research that may lead to new treatment options for scoliosis patients,” Ken Ward, MD, chief scientific officer for Axial Biotech, stated in the release.
“I believe that the use of DNA-based testing to determine the likelihood of disease progression will initiate a new era of improvements in spine health,” added James Ogilvie, MD, chief medical consultant for the study.
“From a clinical standpoint, this test delivers the promise of personalized medicine to spine surgeons who will now have the ability to accurately determine the likely disease progression for an individual AIS patient, and can make evidence-based recommendations for patient-specific treatment options,” he said in the press release.
Geneticists at the company are also analyzing the data from the patient cohort to identify genetic factors that initially cause AIS. The company anticipates that it may soon largely understand the specific biology for this aggressive and crippling disease, and hopes to develop molecular-based treatments for scoliosis patients, according to the release.
For more information:
- www.axialbiotech.com