TGen researchers investigate saliva for use as a possible lung cancer
screening test



09-04-2007

Phoenix, AZ, September 4, 2007--Researchers at the Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen) have begun collecting saliva
samples as part of a pilot study aimed at determining whether saliva
contains information that may one day help physicians identify lung
cancer earlier. Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in both
men and women.
The study was launched in November 2006 in collaboration with
researchers from the University of California-Los Angeles and the
University of Kansas. In this study, which is funded by the
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, saliva
samples are collected from healthy people who are current, former
smokers or never smokers. Separately, a saliva sample is collected
from people who have a suspicious chest mass seen on CT scan or have
been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, who are current, former
smokers or never smokers. Never smokers account for roughly 10
percent of all lung cancer cases--up to 21,000 cases per year in the
U.S.

The samples from healthy participants will be compared to the samples
from people with lung cancer to identify gene expression alterations
that may indicate lung cancer. If differences are identified,
researchers will work to develop consistent genetic markers that
could lead to routine saliva screening for lung cancer.

Glen J. Weiss, MD, Director of Thoracic Oncology at TGen Clinical
Research Services, is a newly appointed investigator at TGen, and
initiated this study at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

"Because there is currently not a standard screening test in place,
lung cancer sadly tends to be diagnosed in the late stages," said Dr.
Weiss. "A saliva screen would be a useful tool in identifying which
patients should receive certain testing such as CT or X-ray, for
instance. A saliva screen is also easier on patients than say a
sputum screening, in which the sputum, or phlegm, needs to be coughed
up from deep in the lungs."

The study is currently enrolling at Scottsdale Healthcare. The trial
will enroll a total of 48 participants who will be asked to provide
one saliva sample. Individuals between the ages of 40 and 79, with
varied smoking histories or undergoing a work-up for possible early-
stage lung cancer, are invited to apply to participate in the study.

Preliminary results are expected later this year.

Call Wendy Robertson, clinical research associate, at 480-323-1367 or
480-323-1350 for more information.


About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a non-profit 501
(c)(3) organization, is focused on developing earlier diagnoses and
smarter treatments. Translational genomics research is a relatively
new field employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome
Project and applying them to the development of diagnostics,
prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders,
diabetes and other complex diseases. TGen's research is based on
personalized medicine and the institute plans to accomplish its goals
through robust and disease-focused research.

About Scottsdale Healthcare
Serving Arizona since 1962, Scottsdale Healthcare is a leader in
partnering for research, medical and wellness initiatives. An
independent, locally-based nonprofit health system, Scottsdale
Healthcare's vision is "Setting the standard for excellence in
personalized healthcare." Scottsdale Healthcare includes the
Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea and
Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak hospitals, Virginia G. Piper
Cancer Center, TGen Clinical Research Services and Scottsdale
Clinical Research Institute. In 2005 it became a primary clinical
research site for the Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen).