Vincere Cancer Center Launches Clinical Study for Syantra's Immune-Based Breast Cancer Screening Test
Key Insights
Vincere Cancer Center (search) has begun recruiting patients for clinical studies of Syantra (search)'s Onco-ID Breast (search) test, which uses immune system signals to detect breast cancer through gene expression analysis.
The innovative screening technology leverages multiplexed qPCR and machine learning algorithms to identify active cancer signatures, designed to complement mammography and serve women not currently screening.
The study will examine how ethnicity, geography, and individual characteristics affect test performance, addressing the critical need for improved screening tools given that non-Hispanic Black women face 40% higher breast cancer mortality rates.
Vincere Cancer Center (search) has initiated patient recruitment for clinical studies evaluating Syantra (search)'s innovative breast cancer screening test, marking a significant step forward in precision oncology diagnostics. The Scottsdale-based cancer center will serve as the first recruitment site for studies of Onco-ID Breast (search), a novel screening technology that harnesses immune system signals to detect breast cancer.
Immune-Based Detection Technology
Syantra (search)'s breast cancer test is built on its patent-pending Onco-ID platform, which leverages signals from the body's immune system to identify active cancer signatures. The technology detects the presence of cancer by quantifying the expression of a unique combination of genes through a custom multiplexed qPCR process. Data analysis incorporates proprietary software featuring machine learning-derived algorithms to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
"Early detection remains our most powerful tool in fighting breast cancer," said Vershalee Shukla, MD, site lead and Cofounder at Vincere Cancer Center (search). "Onco-ID Breast (search) has the potential to improve the tools available for identifying breast cancer earlier for all women, including those located remotely and those needing more frequent testing such as those at elevated risk."
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
The clinical study comes at a critical time when breast cancer continues to disproportionately affect minority populations. According to recent American Cancer Society data, non-Hispanic Black women face a 40% higher mortality rate from breast cancer despite having lower incidence rates compared to non-Hispanic White women.
The test is anticipated to be used as an adjunct to mammography and in women not currently participating in regular screening programs. This approach could potentially address screening gaps that contribute to disparate health outcomes across different populations.
Study Design and Objectives
The clinical study will investigate how ethnicity, geography, and individual characteristics affect test performance to support future test development and implementation. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the technology's effectiveness across diverse patient populations and geographic regions.
"We are excited to have Vincere Cancer Center (search) as our first recruitment site for this increasingly relevant study, highlighting their commitment to providing access to participate in leading clinical studies and technologies for cancer detection to their community," said Dr. Rinker.
Company Background
Vincere Cancer Center (search), founded in 2017 by oncologist Dr. Vershalee Shukla and surgeon Dr. Pablo Prichard, specializes in early detection, precision oncology, and holistic cancer care. The center combines technology, compassion, and innovation to deliver faster diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.
Syantra (search) Inc., the Calgary-based precision biotechnology company behind the Onco-ID platform, was founded by a team of innovators in biomedical engineering and medicine. The company is pioneering new approaches to cancer detection and management with support from world-leading clinicians.