It compares the genetic material of a patientâEUR(TM)s tumor with genetic information on malignant tumor types stored in a database. It uses a microarray technology to analyze thousands of pieces of genetic material at one time. "With the help of microarray technology, [scientists] will be able to classify these types of cancers in a standardized non-reader dependent manner based on the patterns of gene activity in the tumor cells," said CDRH director Daniel Schultz. The test's software converts the scanned image data to gene expression measurements. The gene expression patterns are compared with known gene expression patterns in the database that correspond to different tumor types. And that knowledge can help clinicians determine the best course of treatment. The test is made by Pathwork Diagnostics. It uses a gene expression array made by Affymetrix Inc.
