Roche, the world’s largest biotech company, has launched Elecsys Calcitonin, a new laboratory test for the diagnosis and lifelong monitoring of medullary thyroid cancer patients after thyroid surgery globally (except US).

Calcitonin is a specific tumour marker that can help healthcare professionals diagnose medullary thyroid carcinoma early, as elevated concentrations of calcitonin in the blood are associated with the onset of this type of cancer.

The new test is an important component of medical assessment, especially when the patient’s symptoms are not specific. When performed alongside further examinations, the calcitonin test supports final clinical clearance. Patients can be treated at an earlier stage with greater chances of success.

It is designed for use on Roche’s cobas modular analyser platform, Elecsys Calcitonin offers healthcare professionals an integrated solution for accurate diagnosis and reliable patient monitoring, significantly improving medical decision-making and treatment planning.

“The development of new laboratory tests for cancer management reflects our key goal of diagnostic solutions that support healthcare professionals with clear, actionable information and can thus contribute to increasing patient survival,” said Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer, Roche Diagnostics.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the throat. One of the largest endocrine glands, it produces hormones which control the body’s metabolism. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is the third most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for five to 10 per cent of all thyroid cancers. Treatment usually involves extensive surgical removal of the thyroid gland, followed by lifelong relapse monitoring, usually every six months.

Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics and truly differentiated medicines in oncology, infectious diseases, inflammation, metabolism and neuroscience.