Erasmus MC to Use Affymetrix Technology in Comprehensive Translational Medicine Initiative
Large-scale RNA and DNA profiling studies set to improve patient care for wide range of diseases
Santa Clara and Rotterdam. Affymetrix Inc. announced that Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam will be the first hospital to use Affymetrix microarrays in virtually every disease research area throughout the institution, from pediatric to geriatric studies, to infectious disease and cancer. The decision by the Erasmus MC board is a strong and comprehensive commitment from a world-renowned center of clinical excellence to improve healthcare by translating basic genetic and genomic research into clinical tools for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
While there are numerous pilot projects around the world seeking to develop diagnostics based on RNA and DNA microarray profiles, the Erasmus MC projects are planned as the first to consistently and systematically use large patient populations. The large number of well-annotated clinical samples, standardized protocols, and ground-breaking bioinformatics infrastructure will allow Erasmus MC researchers to produce statistically relevant, well-documented results which can quickly be translated into diagnostics for patients. Additionally, such analyses are anticipated to lead to the discovery of new drug targets.
"This far-reaching collaboration is designed to quickly integrate genomic research data with patient clinical data to bring solutions from the laboratory to the bedside as rapidly as possible," said Peter van der Spek, professor in Bioinformatics from Erasmus MC. "Our goal is to take translational medicine from theory to practice in order to improve patient care, provide more targeted treatment solutions and help reduce healthcare costs."
The ability to appropriately diagnose and classify disease is essential towards improving patient care. In a recent study of 285 patients, Erasmus MC scientists used GeneChip arrays to subclassify different forms of acute myeloid leukemia, and they were able to identify a new poor-prognosis subclass of the disease based solely on gene expression. By identifying high-risk patients that would have otherwise been missed, physicians would know to offer more aggressive therapies, increasing the chance of treatment success.
As part of the agreement, Erasmus MC, the largest Medical School and University Hospital in Holland with over 10,000 employees, will use early access Affymetrix technologies. These tools will provide scientists with added genomic information that may be translated into better patient care.
Erasmus has already been an early access customer for DNA analysis products, like the recently launched Mapping 100K Set. The Mapping 100K is the first in a family of products that will allow Erasmus researchers to perform high-density genome scans and genome-wide association studies on the genetics of complex diseases such as leukemia and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, bone and joint diseases, neurological disorders, immune deficiencies and susceptibility, and host response to infectious disease.
"This strategic agreement shows Affymetrix' commitment to collaborate with world-leading medical institutions to bridge the gap between clinical research and application of genomics in patient care," said James Clough, Vice President and General Manager, Europe of Affymetrix. "By combining our technology expertise with Erasmus MC clinical expertise, we believe we can bring a significant contribution to the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases."
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.
Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.
