Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has been awarded two individual $2 million grants from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to support clinical studies of ofatumumab (Arzerra®, GlaxoSmithKline) in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and pazopanib (Votrient®, GlaxoSmithKline) in the treatment of solid tumors.

Ofatumumab is FDA approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab. The clinical trials are expected to further evaluate the therapy's effect in various lymphomas, including follicular, mantle cell, diffuse large B-cell, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), in addition to CLL.

The second research grant to NCCN will evaluate the effectiveness of pazopanib in solid tumors including renal, sarcoma, thyroid, neuroendocrine, and ovarian cancers. Pazopanib is approved by the FDA to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

For CLL patient management, Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc. (MPLN) uses FISH analysis and flow cytometry detect ZAP 70 and CD20. ZAP 70 evaluation, in conjunction with  FISH analysis and clinical parameters, may help identify subsets of patients with an increased risk of disease progression. To assist physicians with treatment decisions for patients with solid tumors, MPLN offers immunohistochmestry markers in conjunction with their molecular diagnostic menu to determine prognosis and appropriate therapy.

For more information about the advanced tests and technologies at MPLN, contact a client service specialist at 800.932.2943.