Author: Sari Cross

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SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. to Present at the Midwest Venture Capital Consortium

September 14, 2020 – Ontario, Canada – SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. (“SignPost” or “company”), a company developing an advanced molecular diagnostic test to identify invasive breast cancer is pleased to be presenting at the Midwest Venture Capital Consortium.  The event will be held virtually on Monday, September 14, 2020, from 3-4pmCT.

SignPost will be discussing the latest advances in diagnostic testing for breast cancer, upcoming corporate milestones, and the key investment highlights of the company.

“I am honored to have been selected to participate in the Midwest Venture Capital Consortium. Addressing women’s health, especially through early detection of breast cancer, can have a tremendous impact on the healthcare system and society at large,” stated Peter Blaney of SignPost. “Presenting in front of the Midwest Venture Capital Consortium provides SignPost the platform to share its investment opportunity with top-tier professionals who have an eye for early-stage companies.”

About the Midwest Venture Capital Consortium

The Midwest Venture Capital Consortium consists of 33 independent, primarily Midwest-based venture capital firms that have established a consortium to serve Midwest-based start-ups’ funding needs as well as investors seeking the Midwest’s demonstrated exceptional venture capital returns. The consortium, with a combined $2+ billion in cash available for investment, is expected to accelerate Midwest venture capital activity by establishing a virtual one-stop venture capital shop for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Such member firms include: Alumni Ventures Group, Boomerang Catapult, Cultivation Capital, Flyover Capital, Grand Ventures, Illinois Ventures, Loud Capital, Mutual Capital Partners, VCapital, and Wakestream Ventures while most of the Members remain confidential. Consortium members have people on the ground throughout the Midwest plus some representation on the coasts.

About SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.

SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. (“SignPost”) is a company which has developed an advanced molecular diagnostic test, BreastDefense, to identify invasive breast cancer. BreastDefense is a lab-developed molecular test (LDT) that does not require FDA approval.  SignPost is working with Dynacare, a wholly-owned  subsidiary of LabCorp, to complete validation of BreastDefense.  SignPost was founded and is managed by Induran Ventures, a Venture Philanthropy General Partnership which strives to achieve both outsized returns and massive social impact through their projects.  For more information, please visit www.signpostcancerdx.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements related to the development of our technology, our operations and business strategy, our expected financial results, and corporate updates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed by these expectations due to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to review or update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by applicable law.

SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.:
Peter Blaney
Chief Executive Officer
SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.
Tel: +1 613.532.1290
Email: peterblaney@induranventures.com

Investor Contact:
Jennifer K. Zimmons, Ph.D.
Investor Relations
Zimmons International Communications
Tel: +1 917.214.3514
Email: jzimmons@zimmonsic.com

Source: SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.

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SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. Files Provisional Patent

DNA Methylation Multivariate Biomarkers Offers 98% Specificity and Sensitivity

July 28, 2020 – Ontario, Canada – SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. (“SignPost” or “company”), a company developing an advanced molecular diagnostic test to identify invasive breast cancer, is pleased to announce the filing of a provisional patent for the company’s lead diagnostic test – BreastDefense.

SignPost’s goal is to create the world’s most accurate screening test for breast cancer utilizing BreastDefense.  BreastDefense is designed to detect all major subtypes of invasive breast cancers from stages 1 to 4.  The test has accuracy rates of 98% or higher – almost eliminating false positives (sensitivity) and false negatives (specificity).  BreastDefense is based upon proprietary algorithms and search strategies.

Currently, BreastDefense is designed as a lab developed test (LDT) to speed the path to market, making the test available as soon as possible.  Furthermore, SignPost is the first company in the world to achieve both high sensitivity and high specificity in one test – distinguishing BreastDefense from other molecular diagnostic tests.

SignPost intends to develop BreastDefense in both a tissue biopsy and a liquid biopsy format.  The liquid biopsy will help breast cancer survivors monitor remission and can also be used to assist mammographers to greatly improve accuracy with annual breast cancer screening.  The tissue biopsy will assist pathologists by improving accuracy in ambiguous cases and help prevent potential misdiagnosis.  The design of BreastDefense positions it for high potential uptake by doctors and patients.

“Having a provisional patent is a very significant milestone for SignPost.  This will allow SignPost to speed up development.  We can now openly share critical information with our development partner, Dynacare (a wholly-owned subsidiary of LabCorp), as we work together to complete clinical validation for the test.  It should greatly enhance our ability to attract capital to complete scale up. It will also position SignPost to patent the technology in the global market to fully amplify the promise and  opportunity” stated Peter Blaney, Chief Executive Officer.

About SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.

SignPost a company which has developed an advanced molecular diagnostic test, BreastDefense, to identify invasive breast cancer. BreastDefense will be a lab developed test.  In Canada, SignPost is working with Dynacare, a wholly owned subsidiary of LabCorp, to complete test validation.  SignPost was founded and is managed by Induran Ventures, a Venture Philanthropy General Partnership which strives to achieve both outsized returns and massive social impact through our projects.  For more information, please visit www.signpostcancerdx.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements related to the development of our technology, our operations and business strategy, our expected financial results, and corporate updates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed by these expectations due to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to review or update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by applicable law.

SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.:
Peter Blaney
Chief Executive Officer
SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.
Tel: +1 613.532.1290
Email: peterblaney@induranventures.com

Investor Contact:
Jennifer K. Zimmons, Ph.D.
Investor Relations
Zimmons International Communications
Tel: +1 917.214.3514
Email: jzimmons@zimmonsic.com

Source: SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.

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SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. Retains Zimmons International Communications, Inc. for Investor Relations Activities

Photo of Jennifer K. Zimmons, Ph.D.

July 8, 2020 – Ontario, Canada – SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. (“SignPost” or “company”), a company developing an advanced diagnostic test to identify invasive breast cancer has retained Zimmons International Communications, Inc. (“Zimmons International”), based in New York City, as the company’s financial communications counselor and investor relations firm.

Zimmons International will assist SignPost in developing and managing investor relations initiatives and activities aimed at raising SignPost’s corporate profile.  Specific emphasis will be on broadening the awareness of SignPost among family offices, impact investors, and targeted healthcare publications.

“As SignPost advances BreastDefense to identify invasive breast cancer, we believe that retaining an investor relations and communications expert is a strong strategic move.  Zimmons International is currently introducing SignPost to a variety of family offices and impact investors.  Additionally, Zimmons International is refining our various marketing materials, raising our profile through high-quality media placements, and arranging for SignPost to be featured in various healthcare events.  We feel that these efforts will establish a name for both SignPost and BreastDefense as BreastDefense moves towards regulatory approval,” stated Peter Blaney, Chief Executive Officer of SignPost.

“It is a pleasure to be working with SignPost, especially during this significant period in the company’s development.  Properly diagnosing invasive breast cancer is a major issue for patients, doctors, and the healthcare system.  Supporting SignPost with its investor awareness and media campaigns will help SignPost achieve its goal of offering a solution that can help millions of women,” stated Jennifer K. Zimmons, Ph.D., President of Zimmons International.

About SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.

SignPost Cancer Dx Inc. (“SignPost”) is developing an advanced diagnostic breast cancer test, BreastDefense, to identify invasive breast cancer. BreastDefense is a lab developed molecular test (LDT) that does not require FDA approval. SignPost will work with both Dynacare and LabCorp to build this product.  SignPost was founded and is managed by Induran Ventures, a Venture Philanthropy General Partnership which strives to achieve both outsized returns and massive social impact through our projects.  For more information, please visit www.signpostcancerdx.com.

About Zimmons International Communications, Inc.

Zimmons International Communications, Inc. (“ZIC”) is a boutique investor relations firm based in New York founded by Jennifer K. Zimmons, Ph.D.  ZIC specializes in working with international companies as well as with portfolio companies of family offices and private equity firms.  Clients include both public and private entities. ZIC’s client base is composed of emerging healthcare opportunities as well as technology, resources, and consumer health companies.  Dr. Zimmons also serves as the Program Committee Chair for Women in BIO (New York Chapter) as well as board member for a family office focusing on emerging and frontier markets. For more information, please visit www.zimmonsic.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements related to the development of our technology, our operations and business strategy, our expected financial results, and corporate updates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed by these expectations due to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to review or update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by applicable law.

SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.:

Peter Blaney
Chief Executive Officer
SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.
Tel: +1 613.532.1290
Email: peterblaney@induranventures.com

Investor Contact:

Jennifer K. Zimmons, Ph.D.
Investor Relations
Zimmons International Communications
Tel: +1 917.214.3514
Email: jzimmons@zimmonsic.com

Source: SignPost Cancer Dx Inc.

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The Conspiracy of Hope

Renée Pellerin is a former CBC health journalist and the author of Conspiracy of Hope, The Truth About Breast Cancer Screening, published by Goose Lane Editions. Below is an except from her article in the Globe and Mail responding to the new  guidelines published by the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care for breast cancer screening.

“Every woman over 40 should be aware of new Canadian breast screening guidelines. Every family physician should be prepared to discuss those guidelines with their patients. Every provincial breast screening program should take a good, hard look at what it is telling women.

One of the main harms of screening is false positive results, which can lead to unnecessary further tests including biopsies and the anxiety resulting from being labelled as having cancer. The task force analysis is that false positive results occur in between 20 and 30 per cent of all women screened over seven years.

The other main harm is over-diagnosis, not to be confused with a false positive. It’s when a mammogram detects real cancer, but it’s one that does not grow, one that a woman will never feel, will never cause a problem. There is no way to know which screen-detected lesion will behave this way, thus it is always involves surgery and possible additional treatment.

A Canadian screening trial estimated that up to 50 per cent of screen-detected breast cancers in women under 50 were over diagnosed. The number of cases in older women were fewer, but still high. So while screening may discover early cancers that are more easily treated, it may also discover cancers that may be treated unnecessarily.

Yet, how many women and their doctors understand that the benefits of screening are limited, while the risk of over-diagnosis resulting in over treatment is significant?”

Here is the link to the full text from the Globe and Mail on December 11, 2018.
Here is the link to the book Conspiracy of Hope.

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Doctors are surprisingly bad at understanding the science of probability

Dr Daniel Morgan, (an associate professor of epidemiology, public health and infectious diseases at the University of Maryland School of Medicine)  has found in his research that many physicians misunderstand test results or think tests are more accurate than they are. Doctors especially fail to grasp how false positives work, which means they make crucial medical decisions — sometimes life-or-death calls — based on incorrect assumptions that patients have ailments that they probably don’t. “When we do this without understanding the science of risk and probability, we unacceptably increase the chances of making the wrong choice.”

In one study, gynecologists estimated that a woman whose mammogram was positive had a higher than 80 percent chance of having breast cancer; the reality is that her chance is less than 10 percent. Of course, women who have a positive mammogram often undergo other tests, such as an MRI and a biopsy, which can offer more precision about the presence of cancer. But researchers have found that even after the battery of exams, about 5 of every 1,000 women will have a false-positive result and will be told they have breast cancer when they do not.

The confusion has serious consequences. These women are likely to receive unnecessary treatment — generally some combination of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, all of which have serious side effects and are stressful and expensive. Switzerland and France, grasping this problem, are halting and reconsidering their mammogram programs. In Switzerland, they’re not screening ahead of time, preferring to manage cases of breast cancer as they’re diagnosed. In France, doctors are letting women decide for themselves whether to have the tests.

Read the full article at the Washington Post.

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The Difficulties of Diagnosing Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Dr Kathy D. Miller of Indianan University explains in this video the difficulty in diagnosing inflammatory breast cancer.

Dr. Miller describes a common scenario among doctors diagnosing inflammatory breast cancer. Currently there is no clear answer, as the quote below describes a patients symptoms and the varying opinions of the team of doctors.

“The patient had been seen by a medical oncologist, a surgeon, and a radiation oncologist. We had a big discussion—really, an argument—over whether this woman had inflammatory breast cancer. Was the bogginess in her breast just localized swelling because of her extensive nodal disease? Was that sufficient to decide that this was inflammatory? Was the pinkness over enough of the breast or was it only over the area of the tumor, and [could that just have been] direct extension?”

Inflammatory disease is very much in the eyes of the beholder.

BreastDefense can take the guess work out for all invasive breast cancers. Dr. Miller explains that they are doing a study that will determine a definition and criteria for inflammatory breast cancer. BreastDefense goes far beyond  “definition” to a test that will aim for 99% accuracy in diagnosing not only inflammatory breast cancer but all other invasive breast cancers.

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The Value of Molecular Diagnostics

To better understand the technology that BreastDefense is using, a report byAdvaMedDxgives is a very good overview of the molecular diagnostic field.

“The introduction and expanding use of molecular diagnostic tests to detect cancer and manage cancer care mark a major milestone and herald future progress in the fight against this disease – begins the report by AdvaMedDx a trade association that leads the effort to advance medical technology.

Advances in diagnostics technologies and in our fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of cancer at a molecular level are driving the development of new treatments and diagnostic tests.

Molecular diagnostics can assess a person’s risk of developing a disease, determine whether a person is a carrier of a hereditary condition, screen for diseases that are present but not yet symptomatic, provide a diagnosis of existing symptoms, or monitor how a patient is responding to treatments.

The brief report is intended to concisely summarize the complex science underlying the use of molecular diagnostics, particularly genetic tests, and their application in cancer screening, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment selection, and monitoring.

The specific and actionable insights that molecular diagnostics provide at every stage of care make them one of the most dynamic and transformative areas of diagnostics health care. “

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Breast Biopsies – are not always accurate

The video The Pathology of Errors is about the consequences of a inaccurate image reading. Since treatment is based on the diagnosis of the pathologists report, it is critical that the diagnosis is correct. It is now recommended that women seek second opinions when given a diagnosis of breast cancer. This video is a good overview of what can happen.

When a suspicious lump is found on a mammogram, women are sent for a tissue biopsy. But sometimes the pathologist has difficulty determining if cancer is present. As with mammography, the images under the microscope can be inconclusive. In these instances many pathologists will get a second opinion from another pathologist.

BreastDefense does not rely on images.  By measuring these suspicious tissues at the molecular level, BreastDefense will be able to answer the question is it cancer or is it benign from stage 1 thru 4 with 99% accuracy, for both false positives and false negatives. It can give the pathologist a clear answer, cancer or no cancer.

Here is an abstract on a study done in 2015 to quantify the magnitude of diagnostic disagreement among pathologists.

Diagnostic Concordance Among Pathologists Interpreting Breast Biopsy Specimens

The actual error rate for pathologists is unknown.  The time has certainly come for more studies in this area.

 

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40 over 40

40% of Women Over 40 Have Dense Breasts.

Why does this matter?

Fact
the denser the breast the higher the risk of getting breast cancer.

Fact
having dense breasts is a greater risk factor than having a family history of breast cancer.

Fact
mammograms miss about 50% of breast cancer in the densest breasts.

The above Facts come from the website dense breasts canada  Watch their video- it is very powerful.

EARLY DETECTION MATTERS

Dense breasts are normal and common. 40% of women over the age 40 have dense breasts.

Dense breasts make it harder for radiologists viewing your mammogram to spot cancer because dense breast tissue shows up as white and so does a cancerous tumour.

Ask your doctor if you have dense breasts.

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Young Women with Breast Cancer – The Forgotten Generation?

Are young women a forgotten generation when it comes to breast cancer?  Thousands of young women are diagnosed every year. They often face the most aggressive cancers.

One young Canadian women, profiled in Rachel Ray Everyday shared her story.  Judit Saunders was 26 years old and working as a registered nurse at a major children’s hospital in Calgary when she discovered a lump. She was diagnosed with hormonally driven HER2 positive breast cancer. She went through all the standard care treatments. Two and a half years later , it came back as stage four breast cancer. Now, she is in treatment for life, but she hasn’t let the disease stop her from living.

BreastDefense could make the ongoing monitoring of cancer easier.

When cancer is diagnosed in a young person it is a very different experience than when diagnosed mid to late life. “In the young adult years, you’re really laying the foundation for the rest of your life. Finishing school, starting careers, starting a family” says Geoff Eaton, Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) executive director and two time cancer survivor.

Young Adult Cancer Canada has teamed up with Memorial University to conduct a study that hopes to shed more light on the challenges of young adults with cancer.  “we’re spending more money on people who are kind of past the majority of their life and ignoring the people who have most of their life still to live” says MUN’s Dr. Shelia Garland. The Prime Study – named since it is examining people who are diagnosed with cancer in the prime of their lives – has seen 500 young adult cancer survivors weigh in with their own experiences.. The aim is to explore the physical, social and emotional challenges facing young adults with cancer.

The majority of breast cancers – 51% , are women between the ages of 50 and 69. But there are still many many women under the age of 40 – (over a 1000 new cases a year in Canada),  that get the news from their doctor that they have breast cancer.

BreastDefense is a simple test that could benefit breast cancer survivors in monitoring remission.