Predictive diagnostics developer Kiyatec has unveiled data showing that its 3D Predict Glioma test improved survival outcomes in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) by accurately predicting their response to chemotherapy.
Data published in Scientific Reports highlighted that patients who responded to the test had a median progression-free survival increase of 5.8 months, and an overall survival increase of 7.6 months, compared to non-responders. The study (NCT03561207) enrolled 102 patients with newly diagnosed HGG, a cancer which has a typically poor prognosis.
The 3D Predict Glioma test takes cancer cells and transfers them to a 3D cell culture. The cultures – which are designed to accurately reproduce the biologic and physiologic interactions of natural human cells – are treated with radiation and temozolomide, the standard of care for HGG patients.
Kiyatec said that newly diagnosed HGG patients whose tumours do not respond favourably to temozolomide could be preferentially directed to participate in clinical trials or be managed in such a way that might potentially provide greater clinical benefit.
HGG is a fast-growing, aggressive type of brain tumour that originates from glial cells, which support nerve cells in the brain. It includes glioblastoma and tends to have a poor prognosis due to its rapid progression and resistance to treatment.
According to GlobalData epidemiologists, there were 27,449 cases of HGG in the eight major markets (US, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, and Urban China) in 2020.
Kiyatec’s CEO Eric Perreault said: “The publication of this study represents a significant milestone for Kiyatec and the broader field of functional precision oncology. Our 3D Predict Glioma test is paving the way for a new era of individualised treatment for patients with high-grade glioma, offering hope where there was previously very little.”
The Greenville, US-based company teamed up with pharma giant AstraZeneca in May 2023 to assess the therapeutic efficacy of undisclosed preclinical assets using another test in Kiyatec’s portfolio, dubbed KIYA-Predict. The proprietary spheroid platform is used to accelerate oncology drug development by providing accurate therapeutic response insights using human tumour tissue.
In 2022, Kiyatec secured $18m in a Series C funding round led by Bruker, as well as Seae Ventures, VentureSouth, and LabCorp. More recently, the company won investments from The Brain Tumor Investment Fund, and Sontag Innovation Fund, but the amounts were not disclosed.
