• Overview
• Research Areas
• Viral Oncology: HPV and Hepatitis
• HIV Detection, Genotyping, and Monitoring
• Viral Panel for Immuno-compromised Patients
• Real-time Biosurveillance

Viral Genotyping for Oncology

Several viral infections are strongly linked to cancer. For example, Hepititis B (HBV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) combined account for more than 20,000 cases of cancer in the US alone each year, making these pathogens significant informative markers for oncologists. Screening for viral infections using Pathogenica's DxSeq^TM technology will allow clinicians to make more accurate judgements concerning cancer risk and the most appropriate course of monitoring or treatment.

Human Papilloma Virus

Human papillomavirus is one of the most common virus groups in the world. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that at least 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV and that there are approximately 6 million new cases each year. At least 50% of sexually active men and women will contract the virus during their lives.

According to the CDC, many types of cancer are associated with HPV:

• Cervical cancer: The most common HPV-associated cancer. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. Cervical cancer deaths decreased by approximately 74% in the last 50 years, largely due to widespread Pap smear screening. In 2007, 12,280 women in the United States were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,021 died from it.
• Vulvar cancer: ~40% are linked to HPV.
• Vaginal cancer: ~70% are linked to HPV.
• Penile cancer: ~40% are linked to HPV.
• Anal cancer: ~85% are linked to HPV.
• Cancers of the head and neck are mostly caused by tobacco and alcohol, but recent studies show that ~25% of mouth and ~35% of throat cancers may be linked to HPV. These numbers are the fastest growing type of head and neck cancer in recent years.

Hepatitis (HBV and HCV)

Worldwide, chronic infection with hepatitis causes 80% of all primary liver cancers and more than 500,000 people die each year from this lethal cancer.

Pathogenica's Approach

Pathogenica aims to update viral oncology testing for the genomics era, detecting a wide range of viruses and strains, viral genotypes, and human genetic markers to provide comprehensive treatment information to patients, researchers, and clinicians.