An Analysis of Cellular Networks to Predict Drug Response in Breast Cancer Lines Published in Science Signaling
Biomarkers in early breast cancer often determine the treatment course for the disease. A well-known biomarker, HER2 (also known as ErbB2), is traditionally used to pinpoint cases that could benefit from antibody therapies which target ErbB2. However, HER2 and other biomarkers are only predictive in certain subsets of patients. For example, triple negative breast cancers, defined by low levels of traditional biomarkers, show more heterogeneity in both drug response and at the cellular level and carry a poorer prognosis than other breast cancer subtypes.
By combining traditional genetic classifications of breast cancer cells with an innovative proteomics and biochemical analysis, the researchers were able to construct hybrid response biomarkers that effectively predicted the response of cancer cells to targeted therapies in vitro.
"We are delighted that Science Signaling has highlighted our work in the field of network-based biology. This study serves as proof of principle that systematic biochemical analysis of cellular pathways can enable the identification of factors responsible for variation in drug response," said
Follow-up studies may include analyzing patient biopsies and associated patient responses to targeted therapies, with the hope of using such data to advance the study of multiparametric response biomarkers and aid in personalizing cancer treatments.
About Merrimack
Merrimack is a biopharmaceutical company discovering, developing and preparing to commercialize innovative medicines paired with companion diagnostics for the treatment of cancer. Merrimack applies its systems biology-based approach to biomedical research throughout the research and development process. Merrimack currently has six oncology therapeutics in clinical development.
Forward-looking statements
To the extent that statements contained in this press release are not descriptions of historical facts, they are forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements include any statements about Merrimack's strategy, future operations, future financial position and future expectations and plans and prospects for Merrimack, and any other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," "hope" and similar expressions. In this press release, Merrimack's forward-looking statements include statements about the potential for biomarkers to predict individual patient response
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CONTACT: Media Contacts:
Debbie Tseng , Merrimack
617-441-7659
dtseng@merrimackpharma.com
Heather Gitlitz , Spectrum
202-955-6222
hgitlitz@spectrumscience.com
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