Diagnostics Alliance to Pair Imaging and Genetic Data

(The Woodlands, TX, USA).

GE and Genometrix have entered into a joint research agreement to enable doctors to genetically determine a patient's risk for developing disease long before symptoms appear and without unnecessary exploratory procedures. GE's molecular imaging methods, such as positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with imaging agents, are being developed to detect pre-symptomatic disease. Genometrix's genetic- and protein-based analysis systems are being developed to aid in defining and identifying patient populations at high risk for specific diseases. The two companies are combining these capabilities to detect and quantify risk levels for diseases such as breast and prostate cancer.

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, USA) will pilot the initial research using these combined technologies. "Linking imaging information with genetic and protein data will help cancer professionals diagnose disease earlier, individualize treatment, and confirm the effectiveness of treatment,” said Dr. Waun Ki Hong, head of the division of cancer medicine at M.D. Anderson.





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