Cancer begins to form when a disruption occurs in the cell replication cycle. Mutations and damage to the cellular DNA can cause these disruptions, and uncontrolled replication of these calls can result in a tumor. Uncontrolled replication of the damaged cell can result in a tumor. The tumor can then become benign, premalignant, or malignant. If malignant, the mass may grow and affect the function of the organ, surrounding tissues and even spread to other parts of the body as metastatic tumors.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is personal. Its impact can affect not just the person but their community. Access to diagnostic tools is crucial for screening and monitoring, early prevention and treatment decisions and disease management.
Driven by our passion for what we do, our flexibility in how we find solutions, and the strength of our R&D structure, we can take on the most complex challenges in healthcare. In companion diagnostics and digital pathology, we tap a strong network of internal and external partners to drive the creativity and innovation needed for today and tomorrow.
Personalized healthcare is here, and digital pathology is at the core of this patient-centered innovation. As cancer cases continue to rise and fewer pathologists enter the profession, Roche is dedicated to creating a true digital ecosystem including advanced workflow solutions, digital imaging and artificial intelligence–based algorithms. These solutions are designed to improve workflow efficiencies to enhance collaboration and provide accurate insights.
A companion diagnostic (CDx) in oncology is a test that provides information about a patient’s tumor and informs whether an available drug therapy can be used that’s safe and effective for that individual patient. CDx are an important part of personalized medicine or patient-specific treatment.
The first CDx test approved by the FDA, in 1998, assessed cells that over-produce the HER2 protein for breast cancer patients.
Today, the list of companion diagnostics used to help treat tumors and cancers of the blood is expansive and growing.
The best oncology drugs in the world are most effective when we link them to the right patients. Diagnostics help us make that connection and strengthen personalized healthcare.
One in three female cancers is diagnosed as breast cancer. Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer isn't just one disease and it impacts men as well. Breast cancer is characterized by the expression, or lack of expression, of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Targeted therapies exist to determine the most appropriate approach based on a patient's expression of these receptors.
We know having access to the most comprehensive diagnostic assays is essential to providing personalized cancer care.
Cervical cancer affects around 14,000 people with a cervix in the United States each year. The link between cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) is clear. Persistent HPV infections with high-risk genotypes account for almost all cervical cancer diagnoses.
Access to screenings and vaccinations can help prevent the development of cervical cancer. Treatment is more successful when persistent HPV infection is detected early and before it evolves into cancer.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer for both men and women. There are many different types of lung cancer, and the two main subtypes are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is complex, and we're committed to developing comprehensive diagnostic tools to improve a patient's healthcare journey.
Progress in cancer treatment has been made through molecular analysis and biomarker discovery. We can now leverage diagnostics insights to make informed timely, confident and personal treatment options. With over 50 years in oncology, we continue to develop innovative diagnostic solutions to transform cancer care.
