OncoK9® Liquid Biopsy Test Can be Used for Cancer Monitoring in Dogs Across a Variety of Cancer Types, AJVR Publication Shows

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Dec 28, 2023, 09:00 ET

Published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR), an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) journal, the latest in a series of clinical studies from PetDx^® shows that its OncoK9^® blood test can help veterinarians detect residual disease and recurrence weeks to months prior to clinical recurrence in dogs previously treated for cancer.

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PetDx^® – The Liquid Biopsy Company for Pets^™ published a study today showing that its previously clinically validated OncoK9^® multi-cancer early detection test for dogs using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology can detect genomic alterations indicative of residual disease and cancer recurrence in cell-free DNA of dogs previously treated by surgery for a variety of cancer types.

Appearing in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the study evaluated OncoK9^® results from blood samples collected prospectively between 2019 and 2022 as well as corresponding clinical management and outcome data. Over 50 dogs that had received a definitive cancer diagnosis across 12 different cancer types were included in the analysis, and individual subjects underwent OncoK9^® testing and clinical evaluations for a period of up to one year.

The study found that following excisional surgery, patients with a Cancer Signal Detected OncoK9^® result at the postoperative visit were approximately twice as likely to have clinical recurrence within 6 months compared to patients with a Cancer Signal Not Detected result; by comparison, there was no significant difference in cancer recurrence within 6 months based on traditional histologic margin assessment. Furthermore, among cancer-treated patients that experienced clinical recurrence during the study period, 82% had a Cancer Signal Detected OncoK9^® result prior to or concomitant with clinical recurrence, and in more than half of these patients, "molecular recurrence" was detected prior to clinical recurrence, with a median lead time of over 5 months.

"The goal of residual disease detection and recurrence monitoring is to allow for a more individualized approach to cancer care," said PetDx Director of Clinical Oncology Brian Flesner, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology). "The current approach to post-diagnosis follow-up for most aggressive cancers involves serial imaging studies. Detection of molecular disease by the OncoK9^® test gives veterinarians a new tool that may allow for earlier intervention before signs of the disease are evident, with the hope of changing a patient's clinical management and improving prognosis. Our multi-year longitudinal study documents, for the first time, the application of this NGS technology for cancer monitoring in veterinary medicine."

"Over the past few years, PetDx has established a leadership position in blood-based veterinary cancer diagnostics through extensive and well-executed research and development initiatives," said PetDx President and CEO Alejandro Bernal, DVM, MS, MBA. "This latest study represents an important addition to our scientific portfolio, and indicates that OncoK9^® can be used by veterinarians as a noninvasive adjunct tool to manage cancer patients in the post-diagnosis setting."

About PetDx

PetDx^® – The Liquid Biopsy Company for Pets^™ is a San Diego-based molecular diagnostics company dedicated to unleashing the power of genomics to improve pet health. The company's flagship product, OncoK9^®, enables veterinarians to detect cancer in dogs with a simple blood draw. As a first-in-class multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test, OncoK9^® employs cutting-edge genomic analysis that leverages next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and proprietary bioinformatics algorithms, empowering veterinarians to provide superior care to canine patients. OncoK9^® is available at most veterinary clinics in the United States and Canada through PetDx, IDEXX Reference Laboratories, and Antech Diagnostics. To learn more, visit PetDx.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.