Client & Alumni News
First-of-its-kind precision medicine test identifies which patients are at high risk for progressing to esophageal cancer and may require earlier treatment
BFTP client Cernostics, a leader in the development of AI-driven image analysis technologies for precision medicine testing, announced the publication of study data showing its breakthrough TissueCypher diagnostic tool can predict which patients with Barrett’s esophagus are at higher risk of progressing to esophageal cancer. Once identified, these patients may benefit from earlier therapeutic intervention or more frequent endoscopic surveillance.
“TissueCypher® addresses one of the most pressing unmet needs in our field – the identification of which Barrett’s patients will progress to cancer. A diagnostic test that helps address this problem will be of great use clinically,” said Nicholas J. Shaheen, M.D., MPH, Chief, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UNC HealthCare, Chapel Hill, NC; Bozymski-Heizer Distinguished Professor of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and current member of the Cernostics’ Medical Advisory Board.
The innovative test has now been validated in six independent clinical studies with leading clinical centers around the world, including Cleveland Clinic, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Geisinger Health, and Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam.
“TissueCypher® fits seamlessly into a physician’s current clinical practice. No extra steps are needed in the endoscopy suite, as some systems today require,” said Anthony Infantolino, M.D., AGAF, FACG, FACP, gastroenterologist, Professor of Medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Jefferson Medical College and Associate Chairman of the Division of Gi/Hepatology and Director of The Jefferson Barrett’s Center and long-time user of TissueCypher®.
“Physicians don’t need special brushes or alternative collection devices,” said Mike Hoerres, CEO, Cernostics. “The test gives them an individualized risk score from the biopsies they remove, so they can determine the best treatment plan for each patient.”
Positive data from a blinded, independent validation study has been accepted for publication by the American Journal of Gastroenterology. The peer-reviewed article was written by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, and Cernostics, Inc.
About Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) affects more than three million Americans, occurring when chronic exposure to stomach acid causes the esophageal cell lining to deteriorate and undergo changes that can create an environment for cancer. Without treatment, Barrett’s can lead to EC, with a poor 5-year survival of less than 20%. Today, Barrett’s is commonly managed by surveillance, involving regular endoscopic procedures with biopsy, monitoring disease progression, and GERD-related drug therapy to control symptoms and prevent esophageal injury.
About Cernostics
Cernostics, a leader in tissue-based diagnostic testing, provides diagnostic tests with deeper tissue insights, better patient outcomes, and lower cost of care. Cernostics’ mission is to quantify the tissue system complexity, providing physicians and patients with individualized, actionable information to improve outcomes and reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer.
