OGT launches Cytocell FISH probe for bladder cancer

Oxford Gene Technology has launched its CE-IVD labelled Cytocell Aquarius® P16/3c/7c/17c Probe Kit, a cost-effective, ready-to-use fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probe kit for non-invasive detection of bladder cancer — for sale in Europe.

Bladder cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent, and in 2012 was reported as the 5th most common cancer in Europe1. While cytology screening is commonplace for diagnosing bladder cancer, a recent update to UK NICE guidelines2 recommended the use of FISH. FISH methods have been shown to have the same specificity as cytology screening and greater sensitivity in detecting bladder cancer cells3-4. FISH analysis for bladder cancer is also particularly useful for monitoring treatment outcome and can aid in reducing patient mortality by detecting bladder cancer recurrence up to six months earlier than other methods5.

Carrying the CE mark for in vitro diagnostic use within Europe, OGT’s product accurately detects in urine samples the three most common aneuploidies associated with bladder cancer (chromosomes 3, 7 and 17). It also detects deletions of the 9p21.3 locus6 containing the well-known tumour suppressor gene p16 (CDKN2A) — commonly deleted in bladder cancer7-8. The economical Cytocell Aquarius P16/3c/7c/17c Probe Kit contains ready-to-use reagents and has an easy-to-use protocol, reducing the potential for errors and increasing convenience. Specific, clear, high-intensity signals with minimal background deliver quality, reproducible and easy-to-score results ensuring clinicians can be confident in reporting.

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