The Breast Cancer Profile Chip (BCPC) uses microarray technology to look at the genetic signature of the tumor. Microarray enables scientists to analyze the expression of many genes at the same time.

The technology has been used mainly in research but should become available to pathology laboratories this year.

The BCPC will simultaneously measure expression of more than 900 important genes to augment conventional methods to clinically assess breast cancer. Potentially the BCPC represents a new diagnostic tool for breast cancer that will allow doctors to look at the genetic make-up of tumors to personalize treatment.

The announcement was made by Dr. Alaine Koki Ipsogen's Chief Science Officer at the 4th European Breast Cancer Conference. Ipsogen is a French biotechnology company.