Veracyte Announces Study Results for Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifier

Veracyte has announced study results from its Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifier clinical trials. The trials’ findings indicate that use of the diagnostic device lowers unnecessary invasive and risky surgeries on suspicious lung nodules or lesions, the South San Francisco, Calif., devicemaker says.

Computerized tomography is used to detect lung nodules and lesions, but the growths are often difficult to diagnose without biopsies. On the other hand, bronchoscopy is safer and less invasive, but can produce inconclusive findings.

This is where the classifier device steps in. It was developed to identify patients with lung growths who have a low cancer risk following non-diagnostic bronchoscopy results. These patients are then monitored with CT scans, with the classifier device detecting molecular changes that point to probable cancer development.

The device saw a limited U.S. release last month. — Jason Scott