Roche has announced the global launch (except U.S.) of Elecsys ProGRP, a test that distinguishes between small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC) lung cancer and can help diagnose early-stage SCLC. Correct differential diagnosis in lung cancer is important, as the two types have different prognoses and must be treated differently: early-stage NSCLC can be cured by surgery, while SCLC is treated with chemo- and radiotherapy. Roche representatives point to studies that have shown that ProGRP as a standalone test is superior to the current standard neuron-specific enolase (NSE)1) test and that measuring both ProGRP and NSE enhances diagnostic accuracy.
Progastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) is a biomarker which is overexpressed in SCLC, with elevated levels occurring primarily in the blood of patients with this form of lung cancer. The ProGRP test can help clinicians determine the appropriate treatment pathway. Studies have shown that ProGRP can also identify early-stage SCLC and help to distinguish SCLC from benign lung diseases.
The Elecsys ProGRP test, for use on Roche’s cobas modular analyzers, can be used with serum or plasma. ProGRP and NSE can therefore be determined in serum from a single sample tube. As NSE cannot be measured in plasma, this feature can improve workflow and efficiency in the laboratory if measurement of both ProGRP and NSE is necessary. Learn more about Roche diagnostics products.
