CAP TODAY Pathology/Laboratory Medicine/Laboratory Management
March 22, 2019—Roche announced FDA approval of the Ventana PD-L1 (SP142) Assay as the first companion diagnostic to aid in identifying triple-negative breast cancer patients eligible for treatment with the company’s cancer immunotherapy Tecentriq (atezolizumab) plus chemotherapy (Abraxane [paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension (albumin-bound); nab-paclitaxel]). The assay was developed to enhance visual contrast of tumor-infiltrating immune cell staining.
“Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive disease that, until now, has had limited treatment options,” Michael Heuer, CEO of Roche Diagnostics, said in a press release. “This assay plays a pivotal role in helping physicians identify patients that can benefit from Tecentriq therapy, providing better patient care.”