Veracyte announces first publications using Afirma GRID research tool

Veracyte (VCYT) “announced the publication of two studies demonstrating the Afirma GRID (Genomic Resource for Intelligent Discovery) research tool’s ability to help define the future of thyroid nodule evaluation. Using the company’s innovative whole-transcriptome-derived research-use-only platform, researchers analyzed molecular data from thyroid nodules to develop signatures with potential to provide enhanced prognostic information prior to surgery. The findings appear in Frontiers in Endocrinology and Surgery respectively. The first study describes the development and validation of mRNA-based classifiers to preoperatively predict low-risk thyroid tumor features in collaboration with researchers at Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The second study, published independently by researchers at Cleveland Clinic, explores whether mRNA-based expression signatures can be used to differentiate higher-risk tumors prior to surgery. While the study does not yet provide the necessary data or validation for clinical use of these signatures, it highlights several with potential clinical utility. The study authors concluded that with further validation studies, gene expression profile signatures may serve as a preoperative predictive tool for high-risk features, potentially enhancing recurrence risk stratification and helping guide extent-of-surgery discussion with patients. These publications demonstrate the power of Afirma GRID-enabling clinicians and scientists to explore molecular markers and signatures that may one day help guide patient treatment. Veracyte’s commitment to making Afirma GRID available for research is rapidly fueling the expansion of thyroid cancer insights.”