Elecsys SCC by Roche launched in China

The Elecsys SCC, the immunoassay test from Roche has been launched in the Chinese mainland, according to the healthcare company based in Switzerland.

Along with the test, the reference range with local data was unveiled for better evaluation of SCC level between patients with squfamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and benign diseases. And the result is due out as soon as 18 minutes.

Squamous cell carcinomas, also known as epidermoid carcinoma, are a number of different types of cancer that result from squamous cells.

These cells form the surface of the skin lining of hollow organs in the body and line the respiratory and digestive tracts. Common types include certain types of lung and cervical cancers.

"The newly launched Elecsys SCC will help with improved diagnosis and treatment of such cancers in China," Zhi Xiuyi, an expert in lung cancer at Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, addressed the launch ceremony of the test, held in Chongqing in early June.

China reported nearly 800,000 new cases of lung cancer each year, accounting for roughly 21 percent of the total new cancer cases.

Notably, among all lung cancer cases, the type of lung squamous carcinoma accounts for 20 to 30 percent of the total, official statistics showed.

The Elecsys SCC would help provide additional information for better assessment of patient status, experts said.

The product completes Roche's portfolio in lung cancer biomarkers to manage lung cancer patients together with the other blood-based Elecsys biomarkers CYFRA 21-1, NSE and ProGRP as well as with cobas EGFR and the full range of tissue-based immunohistochemistry tests from Roche.

In addition, it is another important part in Roche`s portfolio to manage cervical cancer patients together with cobas HPV and CINtec plus.