Quest Diagnostics has announced the launch of LeukoVantage, an evidence-based genomic test service that aids in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and selection of treatment for myeloid neoplasms, a group of hematologic malignancies that includes acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is the most common form of adult acute leukemia, as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

"LeukoVantage is an outgrowth of Quest's commitment to advancing oncology care based on actionable molecular insights. There is growing evidence that several genetic alterations involved in myeloid neoplasms not only provide significant diagnostic and prognostic value, but may also help guide treatment decisions. LeukoVantage builds from the latest science and Quest's deep experience in genomics and hematology to deliver insights that can help the physician potentially diagnose the patient more quickly and reliably and establish an appropriate treatment plan," said Dr Frederick K Racke, medical director, hematology oncology, Quest Diagnostics.

LeukoVantage is a lab-developed test that uses next-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other techniques to study DNA from leukocytes (white blood cells) in blood or bone marrow specimens for the presence of mutations in 30 genes most frequently associated with myeloid neoplasms.

For MDS, LeukoVantage may detect certain molecular markers to help identify early stages of the disease, complementing conventional diagnostic techniques. MDS is typically diagnosed through a series of tests that include complete blood count (CBC), morphology, and cytogenetic (chromosomal) analysis. For MPN, LeukoVantage may identify molecular markers that can aid the selection of certain targeted therapies, such as JAK2 inhibitors, and establishing a prognosis.

LeukoVantage has also been shown to detect gene mutations in greater than 95 percent of newly diagnosed cases of AML. Physicians may use this information to aid in disease diagnosis and subclassification as well as to establish a treatment plan with induction chemotherapy. In addition, LeukoVantage may aid in establishing a prognosis and in monitoring for minimal residual disease and recurring disease. In the case of both AML and MDS, LeukoVantage may also provide information for selecting epigenetic modifying drugs, which may be less toxic than inpatient chemotherapies.

In addition to LeukoVantage, Quest Diagnostics provides an industry-leading menu of hematologic test services, including morphology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, FISH, and molecular services for blood and bone marrow specimens and other tissues and body fluids as necessary. Because patients with hematological cancers often require multiple services, clinicians may prefer a single provider that can coordinate, perform and interpret all necessary testing services as well as split bone, blood and other samples to simplify test ordering and reporting.

"LeukoVantage is an innovative and clinically useful lab test but that is only part of its value. Quest Diagnostics provides a broad suite of accompanying services for diagnosing and managing patients with myeloid neoplasms. Those larger capabilities can be most useful for these and other diseases in which continuous monitoring, supported by lab tests, is vital to promote quality patient care," said Dr Frederic Waldman, medical director, cancer diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics.