Cancer lab develops new test

FORT MYERS — Cancer testing firm NeoGenomics says it has developed a new test for bone-marrow disease and will be the first lab in the country to offer the service.

The Fort Myers-based company says it has developed a new test to identify mutations of the calreticulin gene, an important marker for bone-marrow disease. The disease, called myeloproliferative neoplasms, affects about 300,000 people in the U.S. Because the disease can take different forms of acuity, NeoGenomics says physicians need a test to help them manage and control its progression in patients.

“NeoGenomics is proud to be the first laboratory in the United States to offer CALR testing on a clinical basis,” says Doug VanOort, the company's chairman and CEO, in a statement. “This effort to quickly develop and offer important new tests to physicians across the country demonstrates our commitment to be a leader in molecular oncology.”