What is RDA™
RDA will make possible an adaptation of treatment in real time
RNA Disruption Assay (RDA™) is a diagnostic test that measures tumor response to treatment early during neoadjuvant cancer therapy. RDA is a useful tool for managing response-guided therapy. RDA consists of proprietary methods that quantify ribosomal RNA (rRNA) disruption induced by a spectrum of chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs. Tumor biopsies are taken as early as 5 weeks following treatment initiation.
RDA stratifies patients into 3 response zones. Response zone 1 is characterized by a low level of RNA disruption, indicating an ineffective therapeutic response, and a low likelihood of pathologic Complete Response (pCR) or enhanced disease free survival. Response zone 2 indicates an intermediate response. Response zone 3, with a high level of RNA disruption, indicates a higher likelihood to achieve a pCR and enhanced disease free survival.
How does RDA™ work?
A strong association between rRNA disruption and treatment response has been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. Equally important, insufficient RNA disruption is associated with unresponsiveness to therapy and poor prognosis. In primary breast cancer, tumor RNA disruption by drugs is dependent on the individual’s tumor biology irrespective of cancer subtype. In the clinical trial (NCIC-CTG,MA.22), patients with low and moderate RNA disruption, zone 1 and 2, were at much higher risk for disease progression compared to patients with a high level of RNA disruption, RDA response zone 3.
RDA™ will offer significant benefits for patients, physicians and healthcare systems.
- Patients avoid harmful side effects and can be considered for alternate treatments that may improve their survival.
- Physicians have an objective tool to personalize treatment for each patient.
- Healthcare payers avoid the substantial costs of a treatment that isn’t working.
