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Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Understanding the Stages of Thyroid Cancer
Key takeaways Thyroid cancer staging helps doctors determine the best treatment and predict the likely outcome. It uses the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)'s TNM system, which assesses tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. Staging differs among the main types of thyroid cancer, including medullary, follicular, papillary, and anaplastic. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is aggressive and is always stage IV. Early stage cancers generally have better treatment outcomes and survival rates. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 43,800 people in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer by the end of 2022. Women are affected three times more often than men. Doctors stage thyroid cancer from stage I to stage IV depending on how far along your cancer has progressed. Different staging systems are used for different types of thyroid cancer. Keep reading to learn more about how the most common types of thyroid cancer are staged. How is the staging for thyroid cancer determined? Thyroid cancer is most often staged using the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system. This staging system considers: T: How big the tumor is and whether it has spread to nearby tissues. N: Whether the cancer has spread into nearby lymph nodes. M: Whether the cancer has metastasized, meaning spread to distant tissues. The AJCC staging system differs depending on which type of thyroid cancer you have. The four main types are: Medullary thyroid cancer: Develops in special cells called C cells that produce the hormone calcitonin. Follicular thyroid cancer: A usually slow-growing cancer that develops in follicular cells. These cells produce and secrete triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Papillary thyroid cancer: Develops in follicular cells and makes up 80% to 85% of thyroid cancers. It generally has the best outlook. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Makes up less than 2% of thyroid cancers but is the most aggressive type. It develops in follicular cells. Knowing which stage you're in helps doctors figure out what the best treatment option may be. It can also give you and your healthcare team the best idea of what to expect in terms of life expectancy and chances of being cured. Staging for medullary thyroid cancer The overall 5-year relative survival rate for medullary thyroid cancer is nearly 100% if it's limited to your thyroid and 89% for all stages combined. The 5-year relative survival rate is a measure of how many people with the cancer are alive 5 years later compared to people without the cancer. Here's a look at the AJCC's TNM system for medullary thyroid cancer: Stage TNM groups Description I T1 N0 M0 T1: The cancer is smaller than 0.8 inches across and only found in the thyroid. N0: It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: It has not spread to distant body parts. II T2 N0 M0 T2: The cancer is bigger than 0.8 inches but smaller than 1.6 inches across. It's only found in the thyroid. N0: It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: It has not spread to distant body parts. OR II T3 N0 M0 T3: The cancer is larger than 1.6 inches across and is limited to the thyroid or has grown outside the thyroid but hasn't spread to nearby tissues. N0: It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: It has not spread to distant body parts. III T1, T2, or T3 N1a M0 T1 to T3: The cancer can be any size but hasn't invaded tissues around your thyroid. N1a: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in your neck. M0: The cancer hasn't spread to any distant body parts. IVA T4a Any N M0 T4a: The cancer is any size and has grown into nearby tissues such as your windpipe or voice box. Any N: It may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: It hasn't spread to distant body parts. OR IVA T1, T2, or T3 N1b M0 T1 to T3: The cancer is any size and may have grown outside the thyroid. It hasn't grown into any nearby structures. N1b: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in your neck. M0: The cancer has not spread to distant body parts. IVB T4b Any N M0 T4b: The cancer is any size and has either grown toward your spine or into major blood vessels nearby. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to lymph nodes. M0: The cancer has not spread to distant body parts. IVC Any T Any N M1 Any T: The cancer is any size and may have grown into nearby structures. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into lymph nodes. M1: The cancer has spread into distant areas such as your liver, brain, or bone. Staging for differentiated (papillary and follicular) thyroid cancer Staging for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer depends on whether you're over or under the age of 55. The overall 5-year relative survival rate for people with papillary thyroid cancer is nearly 100% and about 98% for follicular cancer. Stage Age of diagnos is TNM groups Description I younger than 55 years Any T Any N M0 Any T: The cancer is any size. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to lymph nodes. MO: It hasn't spread to distant areas. OR I 55 years or older T1 N0 or NX M0 T1: The cancer is smaller than 0.8 inches across and is only found in your thyroid gland. N0 or NX: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or there isn't enough information to assess if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant areas. OR I 55 years or older T2 N0 or NX M0 T2: The cancer is larger than 0.8 inches across but smaller than 1.6 inches. It's limited to your thyroid. N0 or NX: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or there isn't enough information to assess if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant areas. II younger than 55 years Any T Any N M1 Any T: The cancer is any size. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. M1: The cancer has spread to distant body parts like your bone or internal organs. OR II 55 years or older T1 N1 M0 T1: The cancer is smaller than 0.8 inches across and limited to the thyroid. N1: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant areas. OR II 55 years or older T2 N1 M0 T2: The cancer is larger than 0.8 inches across but smaller than 1.6 inches. It's limited to your thyroid. N1: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby areas. OR II 55 years or older T3a or T3b Any N M0 T3a or T3b: The cancer is larger than 1.6 inches across but limited to the thyroid or the muscles that support your thyroid. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant sites. III 55 years or older T4a Any N M0 T4a: The cancer is any size and has grown beyond your thyroid into surrounding tissues such as your voice box or windpipe. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant sites. IVA 55 years or older T4b Any N M0 T4b: The cancer has spread extensively beyond your thyroid toward your spine or into large blood vessels in the surrounding area. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer has not spread to distant locations. IVB 55 years or older Any T Any N M1 Any T: The cancer is any size. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. M1: The cancer has spread to distant parts of your body. Staging for undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid cancer Anaplastic cancer has the poorest outlook of any thyroid cancer. Its 5-year relative survival rate is 7%. All anaplastic cancers are considered to be stage IV. It's divided into substages depending on its features. Stage Stage grouping Description IVA T1, T2 or T3a N0 or NX M0 T1, T2, or T3a: The cancer can be any size as long as it's contained to your thyroid. N0 or NX: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or there's not enough information to know if it has. M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body. IVB T1, T2 or T3a N1 M0 T1, T2, or T3a: The cancer can be any size as long as it's contained to your thyroid. N1: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body. OR IVB T3b Any N M0 T3b: The cancer is any size and has grown into the muscles that support your thyroid. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body. OR T4 Any N M0 T4: The cancer has grown beyond the thyroid gland and into nearby tissue such as your voice box or windpipe. It also may have grown toward your spine or large blood vessels nearby. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body. IVC Any T Any N M1 Any T: The cancer can be any size. Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. M1: The cancer has spread into distant body parts such as your bones or internal organs. Takeaway Thyroid cancer is broken into stages depending on how far the cancer has progressed. The AJCC's TNM staging for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer also considers your age. Cancers in early stages are considered easier to treat and have a better outlook. Due to the aggressive nature of anaplastic thyroid cancer, it's always considered stage IV. Knowing what stage of cancer you're in helps doctors understand how to best manage your cancer. It can also give you an idea of your chances of survival. Survival statistics are often based on old data, so your chances of survival might be better than statistics suggest.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is prostate cancer: Causes, symptoms, risk factors, and healthy habits that help prevent it
Prostate cancer stands as the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, following lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Alarming projections by the National Cancer Institute estimate that in 2025 alone, there will be 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer—accounting for 15.4% of all new cancer diagnoses in men—and approximately 35,770 deaths, representing 5.8% of all cancer-related fatalities. These figures aren't just numbers, they're a wake-up call. They point up the pressing need to raise awareness, enhance early detection, and prioritise treatment strategies for a disease that begins in the prostate—a small but vital gland in the male reproductive system. As the global burden of prostate cancer continues to rise, understanding its implications is no longer optional as it's essential. What is prostate cancer? The prostate is a small but essential gland in the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder and above the pelvic muscles. About the size of a chestnut, it weighs approximately 30 grams and plays a crucial role in producing the fluid that forms a key component of semen. Cancer arises when cells grow uncontrollably, disrupting the body's normal functioning. Prostate cancer, similarly, develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to multiply in an unregulated and abnormal manner, potentially leading to serious health complications if not detected and treated early. What is early-stage prostate cancer ? Staging of cancer Staging describes or classifies a cancer based on how much cancer there is in the body and where it is when first diagnosed. When prostate cancer cells remain confined to the gland itself—or have only slightly extended beyond it without spreading to distant parts of the body—the condition is referred to as localised prostate cancer. However, once the cancer spreads beyond nearby tissues, it progresses into what's commonly called advanced prostate cancer. Under TNN system given by AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer, Prostate cancer is generally classified into four stages by : Early Stage (Stages I & II): The tumor is limited to the prostate and hasn't spread elsewhere. This is also known as 'localized prostate cancer' and is often more responsive to treatment. Locally Advanced (Stage III): The cancer has begun to grow beyond the prostate, invading nearby tissues such as the seminal vesicles, but has not reached distant organs. Advanced or Metastatic (Stage IV): The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs. This stage is more challenging to treat and is commonly referred to as advanced prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer : Warning signs to watch for In most cases, prostate cancer does not provide noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But, when signs do appear, they may include: Blood in the urine Blood in the semen Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night Pain or burning sensation during urination Erectile dysfunction Dull, persistent pain in the lower pelvic area Loss of appetite Painful ejaculation Bone pain Discomfort or pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs What causes prostate cancer? The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown. While medical professionals haven't deciphered the exact causes behind the same, several risk factors have been identified by them that may increase the potential of developing prostate cancer. Major Risk Factors: Age: Risk of prostate cancer is directly proportional to the age of a man, it rises majorly after age 50. The prostate naturally enlarges with age, increasing vulnerability (American Cancer Society). Family History: According to the American Cancer Society, 'Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease. (The risk is higher for men who have a brother with the disease than for those who have a father with it.) The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young when the cancer was found.' Therefore, a close relative (father, brother, grandfather) with prostate cancer increases one's risk. Inherited Gene Mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene (both play an important role in DNA repair) changes, often linked to breast and ovarian cancers, can also raise prostate cancer risk. Obesity: Obese individuals may face more aggressive forms of prostate cancer and a higher chance of recurrence after treatment. Smoking: In the study on Cigarette smoking and prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies published in National Library of Medicine, Data from observational studies suggest that cigarette smoking has an inverse association with prostate cancer incidence. Basically, suggesting that smokers have a higher risk of recurrence of prostate cancer and metastasis. How is prostate cancer diagnosed Doctors use the following tests to check for signs of prostate cancer: Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Imaging Tests Prostate Biopsy Healthy habits that help prevent prostate cancer It's always better to focus on prevention when it comes to your health. Below are a few simple yet effective habits you can add to your daily routine to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and related complications. Healthy Diet Physical Exercise Quit smoking Maintaining a healthy weight
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Castle Biosciences, Inc. (CSTL) Unveils Largest Real-World Melanoma Risk Study at ASCO 2025
Castle Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSTL) has announced new data to be presented at ASCO 2025 showing that its DecisionDx-Melanoma test is linked to a 32% reduction in mortality risk for patients with cutaneous melanoma compared to those who were untested. The findings come from the largest real-world study of gene expression profile testing in melanoma, analyzing over 13,500 patients in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute's SEER Program Registries. A doctor using a microscope in a lab, conducting research on cancer treatments. Castle Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSTL)'s Dx-Melanoma test, which evaluates a 31-gene expression profile, offers significant, independent risk stratification beyond traditional AJCC staging, helping clinicians make more precise, personalized treatment decisions. According to lead author Dr. Merve Hasanov, the test enables more accurate mortality risk predictions based on a patient's unique tumor biology, allowing for better-tailored care. These results further affirm the test's association with improved patient survival and its potential to guide risk-aligned management strategies. DecisionDx-Melanoma has been ordered more than 200,000 times and is supported by over 50 peer-reviewed studies, underscoring its growing role in melanoma care and its impact on patient outcomes. While we acknowledge the potential of CSTL to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CSTL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this READ NEXT: and Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Upturn
30-05-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
New Data at ASCO 2025 Affirms DecisionDx®-Melanoma's Ability to Improve Upon Staging-Based Risk Stratification and Predict Survival Outcomes
By GlobeNewswire Published on May 30, 2025, 01:30 IST FRIENDSWOOD, Texas, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), a company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care, will present novel research aimed at enhancing the clinical management of patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, being held May 30-June 3, 2025, in Chicago. This includes the latest findings from Castle's ongoing collaboration with the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (NCI's SEER) Program Registries affirming the significant, independent risk stratification provided by DecisionDx-Melanoma in an expanded, real-world cohort of more than 13,500 patients who received the test as part of their melanoma care. 'Management decisions for melanoma patients, such as referrals for sentinel lymph node biopsy and surveillance intensity, are guided by a patient's risk of dying from their disease,' said Merve Hasanov, M.D., oncologist and director of the division of medical oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio. 'The findings being presented at ASCO demonstrate that the DecisionDx-Melanoma test can provide more precise mortality risk predictions based on a patient's unique tumor biology and can improve upon the population-based risk assessment provided by American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging. This can, in turn, help clinicians tailor treatment approaches to individual patient needs.' Castle's presentations at ASCO will take place during the Melanoma/Skin Cancers poster session on Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central time in Hall A – Posters and Exhibits. Title: The 31-gene expression profile can guide better risk-aligned care decisions for patients with stage I–III cutaneous melanoma: an NCI-SEER analysis Abstract: 9573 Poster Bd #: 56 Lead Author: Merve Hasanov, M.D., oncologist and director of the division of medical oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio Study highlights : This study presents an updated validation of the DecisionDx-Melanoma test's ability to independently stratify CM patients' mortality risk within AJCC sub-stages (stages I-IIA, IIB-C and III) as part of Castle's ongoing collaboration with the NCI's SEER Program Registries. In this large, real-world cohort of 13,560 patients with CM – the largest real-world study of gene expression profile testing to date – the test provided significant risk stratification within the AJCC sub-groups (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis that included key AJCC staging criteria (i.e., Breslow thickness, ulceration and nodal status) and other commonly used clinicopathologic risk factors (e.g., age and mitotic rate), DecisionDx-Melanoma test results emerged as a significant predictor of melanoma-specific mortality (Class 2B hazard ratio=4.59, p<0.001; Class 1B/2A hazard ratio=3.42, p<0.001). Further, testing with DecisionDx-Melanoma was associated with a 32% reduction in mortality risk compared to untested patients, providing further evidence of the test's association with improved patient survival and affirming the test's potential to inform risk-aligned treatment pathway decisions that may lead to improved patient outcomes. 1 : This study presents an updated validation of the DecisionDx-Melanoma test's ability to independently stratify CM patients' mortality risk within AJCC sub-stages (stages I-IIA, IIB-C and III) as part of Castle's ongoing collaboration with the NCI's SEER Program Registries. In this large, real-world cohort of 13,560 patients with CM – the largest real-world study of gene expression profile testing to date – the test provided significant risk stratification within the AJCC sub-groups (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis that included key AJCC staging criteria (i.e., Breslow thickness, ulceration and nodal status) and other commonly used clinicopathologic risk factors (e.g., age and mitotic rate), DecisionDx-Melanoma test results emerged as a significant predictor of melanoma-specific mortality (Class 2B hazard ratio=4.59, p<0.001; Class 1B/2A hazard ratio=3.42, p<0.001). Further, testing with DecisionDx-Melanoma was associated with a 32% reduction in mortality risk compared to untested patients, providing further evidence of the test's association with improved patient survival and affirming the test's potential to inform risk-aligned treatment pathway decisions that may lead to improved patient outcomes. Title: Independent validation of a 16-protein test to assess malignant potential of small uveal melanocytic tumors Abstract: 9590 Poster Bd #: 73 Lead Author and Presenter: David Alan Reichstein, M.D., retina specialist and ocular oncologist at Tennessee Retina, Nashville, Tennessee Study highlights: UM is a rare but aggressive eye cancer with up to 50% of patients developing metastatic disease. While tumor biopsy-based molecular testing (i.e., DecisionDx-UM) is widely utilized to identify high-risk biology, repeated intraocular tumor biopsies are not feasible for monitoring small uveal melanocytic tumors of indeterminate malignant potential (UMTIMP). This multicenter study explored a novel diagnostic approach designed to analyze protein biomarkers in aqueous humor (AH) obtained through minimally invasive, in-office liquid biopsy of the anterior chamber of the eye. In the independent validation, the 17-biomarker test that evaluates 16 proteins and tumor diameter information successfully distinguished between low- and high-risk UM lesions with a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 50%, negative predictive value of 92% and positive predictive value of 47%. If developed, this high-sensitivity test could help to accurately identify high-risk melanocytic lesions that would merit more invasive intraocular biopsy and further prognostic testing with DecisionDx-UM, -PRAME and -UM Seq . The study findings support a liquid biopsy approach to monitor suspicious UMTIMPs for malignant transformation to inform more timely decision-making and earlier therapeutic interventions to help improve patient outcomes. The full abstracts outlined above can be found at the ASCO website here. For more information regarding Castle's data at ASCO, please visit booth # 24149. About DecisionDx-Melanoma DecisionDx-Melanoma is a 31-gene expression profile risk stratification test. It is designed to inform two clinical questions in the management of cutaneous melanoma: a patient's individual risk of sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity and a patient's personal risk of melanoma recurrence and/or metastasis. By integrating tumor biology with clinical and pathologic factors using a validated proprietary algorithm, DecisionDx-Melanoma is designed to provide a comprehensive and clinically actionable result to guide risk-aligned patient care. DecisionDx-Melanoma has been shown to be associated with improved patient survival and has been studied in more than 10,000 patient samples. DecisionDx-Melanoma's clinical value is supported by more than 50 peer-reviewed and published studies, providing confidence in disease management plans that incorporate the test's results. Through March 31, 2025, DecisionDx-Melanoma has been ordered more than 200,000 times for patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. About DecisionDx-UM DecisionDx-UM is Castle Biosciences' 15-gene expression profile (GEP) test that uses an individual patient's tumor biology to predict individual risk of metastasis in patients with uveal melanoma (UM). DecisionDx-UM is the standard of care in the management of newly diagnosed UM in the majority of ocular oncology practices in the United States. Since 2009, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC; v7 and v8) Staging Manual for UM has specifically identified the GEP test as a prognostic factor that is recommended for collection as a part of clinical care. Further, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for UM include the DecisionDx-UM test result as a prognostic method for determining risk of metastasis and recommended differential surveillance regimens based on a Class 1A, 1B and 2 result. DecisionDx-UM is currently the only prognostic test for UM that has been validated in prospective, multi-center studies, and it has been shown to be a superior predictor of metastasis compared to other prognostic factors, such as chromosome 3 status, mutational status, AJCC stage and cell type. It is estimated that nearly 8 in 10 patients diagnosed with UM in the United States receive the DecisionDx-UM test as part of their diagnostic workup. About Castle Biosciences Castle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL) is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. The Company aims to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors. Castle's current portfolio consists of tests for skin cancers, Barrett's esophagus and uveal melanoma. Additionally, the Company has active research and development programs for tests in these and other diseases with high clinical need, including its test in development to help guide systemic therapy selection for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis seeking biologic treatment. To learn more, please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. DecisionDx-Melanoma, DecisionDx-CM Seq , i31-SLNB, i31-ROR, DecisionDx-SCC, MyPath Melanoma, TissueCypher, DecisionDx-UM, DecisionDx-PRAME and DecisionDx-UM Seq are trademarks of Castle Biosciences, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the 'safe harbor' created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: the significant, independent risk stratification provided by DecisionDx-Melanoma; DecisionDx-Melanoma's ability to (i) provide more precise mortality risk predictions and improve upon population-based risk assessment provide by AJCC staging, (ii) be a significant predictor of melanoma-specific mortality and (iii) improve patient survival and lead to improved patient outcomes; and DecisionDx-UM's ability to help accurately identify high-risk melanocytic lesions and improve patient outcomes. The words 'believe,' 'can' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: subsequent study or trial results and findings may contradict earlier study or trial results and findings or may not support the results obtained in these studies, including with respect to the discussion of our tests in this press release; actual application of our tests may not provide the aforementioned benefits to patients; and the risks set forth under the heading 'Risk Factors' in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, our Quarterly Report for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and in our other filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Bailey CN, Martin BJ, Petkov VI, et al. 31-Gene Expression Profile Testing in Cutaneous Melanoma and Survival Outcomes in a Population-Based Analysis: A SEER Collaboration. JCO Precis. Oncol . 2023; 7. doi: 10.1200/PO.23.00044 Investor Contact:Camilla Zuckero [email protected] Media Contact:Allison Marshall [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Business Upturn
25-04-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
New Data at AACR Annual Meeting Highlights Use of DecisionDx®-Melanoma to Identify Early-Stage Melanoma Patients at High Risk of Distant Metastasis
By GlobeNewswire Published on April 26, 2025, 01:15 IST FRIENDSWOOD, Texas, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), a company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care, will share new research intended to improve the care of patients with cutaneous and uveal melanoma (CM and UM, respectively) via poster presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025, being held April 25-30 in Chicago. 'At Castle Biosciences, our commitment to advancing care for melanoma patients helps drive our continuous innovation,' said Rebecca Critchley-Thorne, Ph.D., vice president, research and development, of Castle Biosciences. 'The new data being presented at AACR underscores this commitment and further advances our mission to improve health through innovative tests that can help guide personalized treatment strategies designed to enhance patient outcomes.' Castle will present the following posters at AACR (all times Central Time). The corresponding abstracts are available on AACR's website using the inline links below. DecisionDx-Melanoma Abstract 3344: The 31-gene expression profile identifies patients at risk of developing early distant metastases and can guide risk-appropriate surveillance strategies Lead Author and Presenter: Merve Hasanov, M.D., oncologist and director of the division of medical oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio Session Category: Clinical Research Session Title: Prognostic Biomarkers 2 Location: Poster Section 32 Poster Board Number: 14 Date & Time: April 28, 2-5 p.m. Summary: Building on findings presented at ASCO 2024, this study demonstrates that DecisionDx-Melanoma can identify early-stage CM patients (American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I-II, n=1,661) at higher risk of distant metastasis (DM) not only to the central nervous system (CNS), but also to the lung, liver and bone. Patients with Class 2B (highest risk) results showed significantly higher DM rates compared to Class 1A (lowest risk) patients across all sites: CNS (7.4% vs. 0.9%, p<0.001), lung (7.4% vs. 1.2%, p<0.001), liver (4.5% vs. 0.6%, p<0.001) and bone (3.0% vs. 0.8%, p<0.05). Notably, Class 2B patients had significantly lower five-year DM-free survival and elevated metastasis risk persisted several years after diagnosis, particularly to CNS and lung. These results support combining DecisionDx-Melanoma with AJCC staging to potentially identify high-risk patients for tailored surveillance and treatment strategies, which may enable earlier metastasis detection and potentially improve survival outcomes. DecisionDx-UM Abstract LB262: Development of a clinically feasible aqueous proteomic signature to assess the malignant potential of small uveal melanocytic tumors Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Clinical Research 2 / Endocrinology Location: Poster Section 51 Poster Board Number: 11 Date & Time: April 29, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Summary: UM, though rare, is the most common eye cancer, with up to 50% of patients developing metastatic disease. While tumor biopsy-based molecular testing is widely utilized to identify high-risk biology, repeated intraocular tumor biopsies are not feasible for monitoring small uveal melanocytic tumors of indeterminate malignant potential (UMTIMP). This study seeks to address this unmet clinical need by evaluating aqueous humor (AH) protein biomarkers—obtainable through a minimally invasive office-based liquid biopsy from the anterior chamber of the eye—to help identify high-risk lesions early to help inform the decision to biopsy. Among 79 UM patients assessed with the DecisionDx-UM test (the current standard of care for evaluating metastatic risk in UM), 72% (57/79) were classified as low risk (Class 1) and 28% (22/79) as high risk for developing metastasis. The study identified proteins in the AH with significant differences between risk classes (N=386, p<0.0001) for the development of several risk prediction models. The proteins from the highest-performing models may be further evaluated for their ability to detect high-risk UMTIMPs with a goal of enabling more timely clinical decisions, determining the need for further prognostic testing (DecisionDx-UM, -PRAME, -UM Seq ), and potentially allowing for earlier therapeutic intervention to improve patient outcomes. About DecisionDx-Melanoma DecisionDx-Melanoma is a 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) risk stratification test. It is designed to inform two clinical questions in the management of cutaneous melanoma: a patient's individual risk of sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity and a patient's personal risk of melanoma recurrence and/or metastasis. By integrating tumor biology with clinical and pathologic factors using a validated proprietary algorithm, DecisionDx-Melanoma is designed to provide a comprehensive and clinically actionable result to guide risk-aligned patient care. DecisionDx-Melanoma has been shown to be associated with improved patient survival and has been studied in more than 10,000 patient samples. DecisionDx-Melanoma's clinical value is supported by more than 50 peer-reviewed and published studies, providing confidence in disease management plans that incorporate the test's results. Through Dec. 31, 2024, DecisionDx-Melanoma has been ordered more than 191,000 times for patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. Learn more at About DecisionDx-UM DecisionDx-UM is Castle Biosciences' 15-gene expression profile (15-GEP) test that uses an individual patient's tumor biology to predict individual risk of metastasis in patients with uveal melanoma (UM). DecisionDx-UM is the standard of care in the management of newly diagnosed UM in the majority of ocular oncology practices in the United States. Since 2009, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC; v7 and v8) Staging Manual for UM has specifically identified the GEP test as a prognostic factor that is recommended for collection as a part of clinical care. Further, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for UM include the DecisionDx-UM test result as a prognostic method for determining risk of metastasis and recommended differential surveillance regimens based on a Class 1A, 1B and 2 result. DecisionDx-UM is currently the only prognostic test for UM that has been validated in prospective, multi-center studies, and it has been shown to be a superior predictor of metastasis compared to other prognostic factors, such as chromosome 3 status, mutational status, AJCC stage and cell type. It is estimated that nearly 8 in 10 patients diagnosed with UM in the United States receive the DecisionDx-UM test as part of their diagnostic workup. Learn more at About Castle Biosciences Castle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL) is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. The Company aims to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors. Castle's current portfolio consists of tests for skin cancers, Barrett's esophagus, mental health conditions and uveal melanoma. Additionally, the Company has active research and development programs for tests in other diseases with high clinical need, including its test in development to help guide systemic therapy selection for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis seeking biologic treatment. To learn more, please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram . DecisionDx-Melanoma, DecisionDx-CMSeq, i31-SLNB, i31-ROR, DecisionDx-SCC, MyPath Melanoma, DiffDx-Melanoma, TissueCypher, IDgenetix, DecisionDx-UM, DecisionDx-PRAME and DecisionDx-UMSeq are trademarks of Castle Biosciences, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the 'safe harbor' created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: the ability of DecisionDx-Melanoma to identify early-stage melanoma patients at high risk of DM to enable risk-appropriate surveillance and treatment; Castle's ability to continuously innovate; the ability of new data to further advance Castle's mission to improve health through innovative tests that can help guide personalized treatment strategies designed to enhance patient outcomes; the ability of Castle's tests to enable more personalized treatment and improve patient outcomes; the ability of DecisionDx-Melanoma, combined with AJCC staging, to identify high-risk patients and enable earlier metastasis detection and improve survival outcomes; and the ability of the DecisionDx-UM test to detect high risk UMTIMP's and to allow earlier therapeutic intervention to improve patient outcomes . The words 'believe,' 'can' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: subsequent study or trial results and findings may contradict earlier study or trial results and findings or may not support the results obtained in these studies, including with respect to the discussion of our tests in this press release; actual application of our tests may not provide the aforementioned benefits to patients; and the risks set forth under the heading 'Risk Factors' in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in our other filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Investor Contact:Camilla Zuckero [email protected] Media Contact:Allison Marshall [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
