Dabur OncQuest, the Indian oncology diagnostic kit major, has introduced an innovative tool for confirmation of drug resistance in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) patients. Known as the CML Quest (IRMA), which the company claims is a first-of-its-kind test available globally and developed after intensive in-house research. This test is available only at the centres of Dabur OncQuest pan-India and Nepal.
This test helps clinicians to make critical decision on therapeutic front. Once the BCR/abl Quantification indicates no response to Imatinib mesylate then patients can be quickly examined by CML Quest (IRMA) and prescribe the advanced molecules available in India. The new test will reduce the gap in diagnosis and prognosis of CML. The innovation is economical in terms of time and also prevent in incurring unnecessary expenditure on drugs that may not control disease progression, stated Aditya Burman, general manager, Dabur Pharma.
According to Vivek Trikha, head, Dabur Diagnostics, the technology platforms of CML Quest (IRMA) are RT-PCR and restriction analysis. Roll out of CML Quest (IRMA) is in line with the company's mission to develop cost-effective branded molecular testing algorithms. Clinicians have appreciated the application of technology platforms to decipher meaningful information about drug resistance going by the feedback received from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Cuttack, and Bhubaneshwar.
CML is a type of cancer; attributed to change in genetic make up of an individual that forms a chromosome called Philadelphia chromosome or BCR/abl hybrid gene formation, which triggers the disease. All therapies for CML are directed towards controlling the genetic expression of BCR/abl. This test detects such mutations in the specific region of BCR/abl gene where drug binds and controls gene activity.
CML Quest IRMA is targeted to detect such mutations that enable clinician to stratify patients as resistant to the targeted drug Imatinib Mesylate. It will also help to decide on prescribing higher dosage of Imatinib or opt for combination therapy with Imatinib and Interferon or go for molecules like Dasatinib / Nilotinib.
The test evaluates all major domains of the drug resistant gene including the locations on the gene where the drug binds and imparts resistance of varying degrees based on binding sites. The conclusive inferences are drawn based on the binding regions: if there is a mutation in the catalytic domain at position 315 of the gene it completely renders patient as drug resistance. If the mutations are present in other domains, it is a different clinical situation for the patients and therapeutic choices are made based on clinical picture, stated the company.