OGT launches Cytocell FISH probes for glial tumours

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), The Molecular Genetics Company, has launched its CE-IVD labelled Cytocell Aquarius® 1p36/1q25 and 19q13/19p13 Deletion Probe Kit*, a cost-effective fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) kit for the reliable investigation of glial tumours.

Co-deletion of the 1p36.32 and 19q13.33 regions are frequently reported in many classes of gliomas.1,2 Moreover, the presence of a 1p and 19q co-deletion is a strong prognostic factor, which is often associated with improved outcome and responsiveness to therapy in stage II and stage III gliomas.3 Presenting the gold standard of co-deletion detection, FISH is also central in the move towards replacing morphological grading with molecular analysis — providing the molecular insights to overcome the variable relationship between histological type and clinical outcome.

Created specifically for the investigation of co-deletion status in glial tumour specimens, the new CE-IVD labelled Cytocell Aquarius 1p36/1q25 and 19q13/19p13 Deletion Probe Kit consistently delivers bright, specific signals with minimal background. By enabling clear and accurate scoring, the need for repeat testing is minimised, saving both time and resources. Ease of use has also been prioritised, with the convenience of ready-to-use pre-mixed probes saving aliquoting time, while also minimising potential errors. The cost-effective, quality-assured kit brings confidence to glioma investigations, with optimisation for FFPE samples enhanced when used alongside the Cytocell Tissue Pretreatment Kit.

The Head of Cancer Cytogenetics at the Northern Genetics Service in Newcastle, Gavin Cuthbert FRCPath, who is currently in the process of completely transitioning to Cytocell probes, commented: “Accurately detecting co-deletion status is vital to our glioma investigations, and we have been consistently impressed with the quality and reproducibility of results using the new Cytocell kit — not to mention the support offered by OGT’s customer service. We now have a cost-effective test we can rely on, that is also easy to use and interpret.”

Senior Product Manager for Pathology at OGT, Steve Chatters explained: “More laboratories are realising the importance of FISH-based co-deletion analysis for glioma investigations, and our new kit is set to further drive this trend. This builds upon OGT’s existing cancer FISH portfolio, providing confident diagnoses to aid in the fight against cancer.”

For more information on the new products or OGT’s FISH probe capabilities, please visit www.cytocell.com.

References

1. Vogazianou AP et al., Neuro Oncol. 2010;12(7):664-78.
2. Bromberg JEC et al., Oncol. 2009;14:155-163.
3. Jenkins RB et al., Cancer Res 2006;66(20):9852-61.

About Oxford Gene Technology

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) provides world-class genetics research solutions to leading clinical and academic research institutions. Founded by Professor Sir Edwin Southern, and with customers in over 60 countries worldwide, OGT has a strong reputation and increasing share in the large and growing genomic medicine market. The Company’s Cytocell®, CytoSure™ and SureSeq™ range of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), microarray and next generation sequencing (NGS) products deliver high-quality genetic analysis, enabling accurate identification and confirmation of the causative variation underlying genetic disease.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at www.ogt.com

*Cytocell Aquarius® 1p36/1q25 and 19q13/19p13 Deletion Probe Kit has received the CE-IVD label, and will be available from 4th May 2016.

CytoSure™, SureSeq™ and myProbes®: For Research Use Only; Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures. Cytocell: Some products may not be available in the US.