Antech expands molecular diagnostic offerings

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Antech’s cancer diagnostic portfolio now includes Vidium Animal Health’s SearchLight DNA and OncoK9 from PetDx. These new tests add to Antech’s portfolio of canine cancer diagnostics that span multiple, essential diagnostic modalities, including ultrasound, digital cytology, and molecular medicine.

SearchLight DNA is a genomic test that analyzes the DNA of a dog’s tumor cells, searching for mutations across 120 relevant cancer genes, to identify mutations that aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and helps guide treatment decisions.

OncoK9 is a blood-based “liquid biopsy” multicancer early detection (MCED) test that aids veterinarians in detecting 30 different cancer types, including 8 of the most common cancers in dogs. OncoK9 has been clinically validated through the CANDiD (CANcer Detection in Dogs) Study using samples prospectively collected from over 1,000 client-owned dogs across more than 40 clinical sites, according to a release from Antech.¹

“A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for a pet owner,” said Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology).” Accurate diagnosis and care can be expensive and complex. Reading the genomic material of a tumor, molecular diagnostics give us an unprecedented level of transparency into the nature of the cancer, allowing us to diagnose it earlier and to craft a highly personalized treatment plan.”

According to an Antech press release, these advanced diagnostic tests’ ability to analyze the DNA of tumor cells delivers specific information about which mutations are causing cancer to grow and spread and can help veterinarians identify cancer often when it is most treatable. Molecular diagnostics also may help veterinarians understand the cancer’s origin and behavior, which can guide the optimal approach to treatment.¹

“Cancer has been and continues to be a frustrating disease for pet owners and veterinarians to diagnose and treat,” said Cathleen Meeks, MS, DVM, DACVIM, Vice President of Medical Operations at Antech. “Antech is dedicated to the continued advancement of our diagnostic capabilities in oncology to help provide innovative ways in which we diagnose this disease compared to traditional methods. This will allow us to improve the quality of care by diagnosing these diseases sooner than in the past and avoid delays in initiating treatment.”

“Cancer has claimed the lives of too many beloved dogs, too soon, and for too long,” said Lonnie Shoff, President of Antech. “I believe we’re at the precipice of a new era in canine cancer care; one that offers new hope for veterinarians and pet owners alike. That’s why we’re extending our portfolio of canine cancer diagnostics. From molecular diagnostics to pathology expertise to being veterinary medicine’s most trusted provider of digital X-ray, ultrasound, laser therapy, mobile CT, imaging support, and PACS, we’ll continue to deliver the most advanced diagnostic tools for veterinarians to effectively combat this terrible disease. Offering the latest molecular diagnostics for cancer detection and personalized treatment is simply the right thing to do. We’ll continue to leave no stone unturned as we strive to help veterinary teams attack this leading cause of canine death.”

Reference

Antech expands molecular diagnostic offerings in veterinary medicine's most comprehensive diagnostics portfolio for canine cancer. Antech Diagnostics. September 12, 2022. Accessed September 15, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/antech-expands-molecular-diagnostic-offerings-in-veterinary-medicines-most-comprehensive-diagnostics-portfolio-for-canine-cancer-301621988.html