EXAS - Sector: Healthcare --- Industry: Biotechnology & Drugs

[setravis]

As noted in the news article....  Outrageous Margins. Will post article.....          
Missed the jump from the starting gate.
Will be watching the pull back and how it reacts,Seeing how it has displayed so much Go Go !
Looking @ the 3 year chart...Has formed Falling Wedge (Reversal) Pattern, near a breakout of this pattern.

Volume: 576,922
Avg Volume (3m): 150,769

Support @ $2.24...2.08...2.00
Resistance @ $2.32...2.39...2.47...2.56

Technicals
MACD IS Bullish....
Stochastic is Bullish...
13-day EMA Cross Above 50-day EMA.....
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
25.54%above 13-day EMA
26.76%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 32  

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $59.76  
P/E Ratio: NA  
PEG Ratio: -0.08  
Next Earnings: 01/23/2006

Falling Wedge (Reversal) Pattern....some info.
The falling wedge is a bullish pattern that begins wide at the top and contracts as prices move lower. This price action forms a cone that slopes down as the reaction highs and reaction lows converge. In contrast to symmetrical triangles, which have no definitive slope and no bias, falling wedges definitely slope down and have a bullish bias. However, this bullish bias cannot be realized until a resistance breakout.

The falling wedge can also fit into the continuation category. As a continuation pattern, the falling wedge will still slope down, but the slope will be against the prevailing uptrend. As a reversal pattern, the falling wedge slopes down and with the prevailing trend. Regardless of the type (reversal or continuation), falling wedges are regarded as bullish patterns.

As with rising wedges, the falling wedge can be one of the most difficult chart patterns to accurately recognize and trade. When lower highs and lower lows form, as in a falling wedge, a security remains in a downtrend. The falling wedge is designed to spot a decrease in downside momentum and alert technicians to a potential trend reversal. Even though selling pressure may be diminishing, demand does not win out until resistance is broken. As with most patterns, it is important to wait for a breakout and combine other aspects of technical analysis to confirm signals.

[setravis]

Profile Get Profile for: 
 
EXACT Sciences Corp.
100 Campus Drive
Marlborough, MA 01752
Phone: 508-683-1200
Fax: 978-897-3481
Web Site: http://www.exactsciences.com

DETAILS   
Index Membership: N/A
Sector: Healthcare
Industry: Biotechnology
Full Time Employees: 71


BUSINESS SUMMARY   
EXACT Sciences Corporation, an applied genomics company, engages in the development and commercialization of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based tests for the early detection of cancer. The company offers PreGen-Plus through LabCorp, a DNA-based test used for screening for colorectal cancer. PreGen-Plus includes technologies that isolate and analyze the trace amounts of human DNA that are shed into stool every day from the exfoliation of cells that line the colon. It looks for specific mutations and other abnormalities in that DNA associated with colorectal cancer. The company's strategic partners include LabCorp and Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings. EXACT Sciences Corporation was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

[setravis]

INVESTING
   
Outrageous Margins
By Tim Beyers (TMF Mile High)
December 22, 2005

Every now and again we like to roll back the curtains on how we Rule Breakers pick stocks. In October we revealed that outrageous sales growth often drives our decisions. That's still the case, of course. But triple-digit sales growth alone can't be enough to call a stock a Rule Breaker. It's what the company does with the extra moola that matters. If it's being used well, the result will be an ever-expanding gross margin.

And I'm not talking about margin that grows a few percentage points here and there. I'm talking about get-me-the-elastic-waistband-because-these-jeans-are-too-tight margins. They're expanding faster than a blowfish in a shark tank.

When sales growth meets fixed costs
The reason, you see, is that the best Rule Breaking businesses have a way of turning out meaningful innovations that have relatively meager fixed costs. That doesn't mean they're instantly profitable, of course. Some, such as Intuitive Surgical and Akamai Technologies (Nasdaq: AKAM), had capital investment requirements that stalled profits for years.

Yet each stock gave investors clues as to their quality long before the market began rewarding their excellence. Akamai, for example, realized huge gains in gross and operating margin a full 18 months before I bought shares. That's what happens when double-digit sales gains meet moderating operating costs. Accordingly, the shares are up nearly 60% since my recommendation for the May issue of Motley Fool Rule Breakers.

So when our team of analysts embarks on the search for new Rule Breakers, we like to include companies that boast a minimum 60% gross margin and that have grown gross profit by at least 40% annually over the past three years. There are several tools that will help you reveal candidates that meet this criterion. Here at Fool HQ we tend to use Capital IQ's stock screener.

Capital IQ found 50 firms that met our criteria this go-round. Some were frighteningly high, such as the Central Fund of Canada (AMEX: CEF) at a 100% gross margin. (To be fair, it's a holding company.) Others, such as Natural Health Trends' (Nasdaq: BHIP) 78.3% margin and 88% average growth, didn't seem sustainable. Three, however, really stood out:

1. Harris & Harris (Nasdaq: TINY)
Gross margin: 80.6%
Three-year gross profit compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 112.1%

Rule Breakers subscribers will be intimately familiar with Harris & Harris, which is essentially a venture capital (VC) firm that has the vast majority of its assets invested in nanotechnology start-ups. Fellow Fools John Yelovich and Carl Wherrett recommended the stock for the March issue.

Unfortunately, the shares are down roughly 5% over the past 52 weeks. But that doesn't mean the investing thesis -- that investing in VC is a low-risk and cost-effective way to capitalize on the nanotech revolution -- won't be realized. Far from it. I'd even argue that, in some ways, Harris & Harris is the ultimate Rule Breaker, because it's a stock that practically demands to be held for decades. And that is how VC tends to work, after all. Venture capitalists take on additional risk by providing early-stage funding and management expertise. This can go on for years, till the firm is a mature, profitable business capable of entering the public markets. It's at that point the VC gets to liquidate some of its holdings -- sometimes for multibagger returns. (Of course it wasn't at all like this during the dot-bomb years, when built-to-flip businesses were going from zero to IPO in six months, but stay with me.)

There's risk inherent in laying money on a company whose private investments will take years to pay off. But insiders own a big stake in the firm, and they're still buying. For example, Dr. C. Wayne Bardin, a company director, bought another 1,655 shares at $14.38 on Dec. 9. And he's not alone. Since January 2004, there's been a grand total of one insider sale. That at least suggests management is confident in the growth.

2. Align Technology (Nasdaq: ALGN)
Gross margin: 69.1%
Three-year gross-profit CAGR: 98.2%

I first stumbled across Align, which is trying to revolutionize orthodontics, when it was the subject of some serious insider buying at the hands of investor Gordon Gund, former owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.

There's no way to know exactly why Gund likes Align, especially after seeing how badly it has mistreated his portfolio over the past year. What we do know is that, despite a net cash balance near $80 million, Align is embroiled in litigation with OrthoClear, whose CEO also founded Align. The dispute shows no signs of ending soon, which may be depressing the shares.

But that's also not all that's wrong with Align. According to Yahoo! Finance, earnings were negative for 2002 and 2003 but found their way into the black last year. Fourth-quarter earnings are expected to run negative, however. That would be the second quarter in a row and could put all of 2005 into the red. Not good, especially since the Street is expecting another net loss for 2006. Fat margins aside, it's probably Foolish to steer clear of Align till the company figures out a way to straighten out its earnings momentum.

3. Exact Sciences (Nasdaq: EXAS)
Gross margin: 95.4%
Three-year gross profit CAGR: 99.6%

And this, dear Fool, may be the most interesting stock of them all. Exact Sciences makes a DNA-based test called PreGen-Plus, which screens for colorectal cancer. Laboratory Corp. of America (NYSE: LH) has partnered with the firm to bring the tests to patients.

As interesting as that is, more intriguing to me is the firm's balance sheet. Exact Sciences' enterprise value -- that is, market capitalization plus debt and minus cash -- is a mere $13 million. Nearly all of Exact's value is cash in the bank, which means ongoing operations are trading for just 25% of the market cap.

A quick read of the risks section of the most recent 10-Q may reveal why. It seems Exact is almost entirely dependent on LabCorp as its distribution partner and that PreGen-Plus is still having to earn converts among physicians. Those, indeed, are big risks. But you also can't get much cheaper than Exact is right now.

Thin is most definitely not in
The truth is that the next ultimate growth stock is likely to have far more than one redeeming feature. Outrageous sales growth is likely to be on the list. So is a deep competitive advantage. Superior management, too. Such attributes in combination are what lead to multibagger returns.

So the next time you find a firm plumping margins faster than a Thanksgiving turkey in October, take heart. And have a seat at the table. For when it comes to stocks, thin is most definitely not in. Fat -- as in fat margins -- is where your portfolio should be at.

[setravis]

From a recent Motley Fool article:

Exact Sciences (Nasdaq: EXAS)
Gross margin: 95.4%
Three-year gross profit CAGR: 99.6%

And this, dear Fool, may be the most interesting stock of them all. Exact Sciences makes a DNA-based test called PreGen-Plus, which screens for colorectal cancer. Laboratory Corp. of America (NYSE: LH) has partnered with the firm to bring the tests to patients.

As interesting as that is, more intriguing to me is the firm's balance sheet. Exact Sciences' enterprise value -- that is, market capitalization plus debt and minus cash -- is a mere $13 million. Nearly all of Exact's value is cash in the bank, which means ongoing operations are trading for just 25% of the market cap.

A quick read of the risks section of the most recent 10-Q may reveal why. It seems Exact is almost entirely dependent on LabCorp as its distribution partner and that PreGen-Plus is still having to earn converts among physicians. Those, indeed, are big risks. But you also can't get much cheaper than Exact is right now.

[stocks2watch2]

EXAS, Is on fire not much resistance.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060110/20060110005340.html?.v=1

[stocks2watch2]

EXACT Sciences Announces Results of Research Study Showing Significant Improvement in Colorectal Cancer Screening Technology

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060110/20060110005340.html?.v=1

EXACT SCIENCES CORP Files SEC form 8-K, Regulation FD Disclosure, Financial Statements and Exhibits

http://biz.yahoo.com/e/060110/exas8-k.html

[setravis]

Press Release Source: EXACT Sciences Corporation


EXACT Sciences Announces Results of Research Study Showing Significant Improvement in Colorectal Cancer Screening Technology
Tuesday January 10, 7:00 am ET 
New DNA Marker Formulation Demonstrates Sensitivity Above 80%


MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2006--EXACT Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ: EXAS - News) today announced that improvements to its technology demonstrated sensitivity in excess of 80% for detecting colorectal cancer in a recent research study. The blinded study was designed to test the efficacy of technological advances to enhance colorectal cancer detection in stool. The study results have been submitted for presentation at the upcoming annual meeting of gastroenterologists, Digestive Disease Week, which will be held in May. The results are also being submitted for publication.


"I believe these research results validate the importance and promise of stool-based cancer detection and, over time, will lead to both improved colorectal cancer detection rates and reduced assay costs," commented Don Hardison, EXACT Sciences' President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are very excited about the research progress we have seen at EXACT Sciences and about the opportunities that such advances potentially offer for non-invasive colon cancer screening going forward," said Mr. Hardison.

"Over the last several years we have demonstrated significant improvements in our colorectal cancer screening technologies including discoveries in DNA stability and optimization of DNA yield resulting in sensitivity and specificity in the eighties with substantially reduced marker panel complexity," commented Anthony P. Shuber, EXACT Sciences' Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "We are very pleased that these technical improvements have yielded such promising results."

About EXACT Sciences Corporation

EXACT Sciences Corporation uses applied genomics to develop effective, patient-friendly screening technologies for use in the detection of cancer. Certain of its technologies are currently being offered in a commercial testing service, "PreGen-Plus(TM)," developed by Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp). PreGen-Plus is used for screening for colorectal cancer in the average-risk population. Colorectal cancer, which is the most deadly cancer among non-smokers, is generally curable if detected early. Despite the availability of colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic tests for more than 20 years, the rate of early detection of colorectal cancer remains low, and deaths from colorectal cancer remain high. EXACT Sciences believes its genomics-based technologies will help enable detection of colorectal cancer so that more people can be effectively treated. Founded in 1995, EXACT Sciences is based in Marlborough, Mass. Detailed information on EXACT Sciences and PreGen-Plus can be found on the World Wide Web at www.exactsciences.com and www.pregenplus.com.

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, EXACT Sciences' expectations concerning, among other things, the performance and market acceptance of its technologies, the likelihood of publication and acceptance of its scientific data, and the research and development strategies of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Labcorp). These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond EXACT Sciences' control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the clinical performance and market acceptance of its technologies; the reproducibility of its research results in subsequent studies and in clinical practice; the success of its strategic relationship with LabCorp; EXACT Sciences' and LabCorp's ability to license certain technologies or obtain raw materials for its technologies; the ability to convince Medicare and other third-party payors to provide adequate reimbursement for EXACT Sciences' technologies; the ability to convince medical practitioners to order tests using EXACT Sciences' technologies; the ability to increase the performance of the PreGen-Plus test; the ability of EXACT Sciences or LabCorp to lower costs through automating and simplifying key operational processes; the inclusion of PreGen-Plus in cancer screening guidelines; sufficient investment in the sales and marketing of PreGen-Plus; the number of people who decide to be screened for colorectal cancer using EXACT Sciences' technologies; competition; the ability to comply with federal and state statutes and regulations relating to EXACT Sciences' products and services, including FDA requirements, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments; the ability to protect EXACT Sciences' intellectual property and the cost of enforcing or defending EXACT Sciences in litigation relating to intellectual property rights; the possibility that other companies will develop and market novel or improved methods for detecting colorectal cancer; and the ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. EXACT Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by EXACT Sciences, see the disclosure contained in EXACT Sciences' public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.


Contact:
Media:
Porter Novelli Life Sciences
Melissa Hill, 858-527-3482
Email: [email protected]
or
Corporate:
EXACT Sciences Corporation     
Harry Wilcox, 508-683-1275   
Email: [email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: EXACT Sciences Corporation

[stocks2watch2]

Again the search feature failed, this did not come up. Sorry.

[setravis]

Breakout.....
Now @ +69.88%......Volume @......865,598

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
50.83%above 13-day EMA
73.68%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 97  

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Jan 23

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $65.81  
P/E Ratio: NA  
PEG Ratio: -0.09  
Next Earnings: 01/23/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral


No problem .......  stocks2watch2...

[stocks2watch2]

APPLAUD....For another fine pick. It went up over 100% from when you first posted on the 26th.I saw it was ready to explode bought @ 3.40, sold @ 4.25. Will be watching closely for possible re-entry.

[setravis]

APPLAUD....For another fine pick. It went up over 100% from when you first posted on the 26th.I saw it was ready to explode bought @ 3.40, sold @ 4.25. Will be watching closely for possible re-entry.

Thanks  stocks2watch2 = return Applaud...
Really got the volume today.Things are getting a little top heavy could be a pullback coming.
We shall see.
Volume: 3,434,338
Avg Vol (3m): 163,275

Recent CandleStick Analysis
Very Bullish
Jan-09-2006 Bullish Engulfing
Today a Long White Candlestick was formed. This shows that the prices advanced significantly from open to close during the day under strong buying pressure.

Technicals
MACD is Bullish
Stochastic is Bullish
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
75.01%above 13-day EMA
101.53%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 98 

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Jan 23

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $65.81 
P/E Ratio: NA 
PEG Ratio: -0.09 
Next Earnings: 01/23/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral

[FreeLove]

Yes was lucky enough to get this last time on bottom 1.50's
Cant tell you how happy i was today  ....

A chart is a chart       

[eliteG]

APPLAUD....For another fine pick. It went up over 100% from when you first posted on the 26th.I saw it was ready to explode bought @ 3.40, sold @ 4.25. Will be watching closely for possible re-entry.

Thanks  stocks2watch2 = return Applaud...
Really got the volume today.Things are getting a little top heavy could be a pullback coming.
We shall see.
Volume: 3,434,338
Avg Vol (3m): 163,275

Recent CandleStick Analysis
Very Bullish
Jan-09-2006 Bullish Engulfing
Today a Long White Candlestick was formed. This shows that the prices advanced significantly from open to close during the day under strong buying pressure.

Technicals
MACD is Bullish
Stochastic is Bullish
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
75.01%above 13-day EMA
101.53%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 98 

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Jan 23

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $65.81 
P/E Ratio: NA 
PEG Ratio: -0.09 
Next Earnings: 01/23/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral

awesome pick setravis! big applaud

[setravis]

Press Release Source: EXACT Sciences Corporation


88% Sensitivity Reported for Stool DNA Colorectal Cancer Screening Technology in Abstract Presented at 2006 DDW Conference
Monday May 22, 7:00 am ET 
Next Generation Technology Marks Milestone for Non-Invasive DNA Screening for Colon Cancer


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2006--EXACT Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ: EXAS - News) announced today that the results of a research study on next generation stool DNA testing technology were presented at the annual Digestive Disease Week (DDW) conference, the world's largest meeting of gastroenterology professionals. Using a simplified panel of markers and a new buffer and DNA capture technology, EXACT's stool DNA technology demonstrated an 88% sensitivity for cancer, with a specificity of 82%. The data were presented on Sunday, May 21st at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The prospective, multi-center study, described in an abstract entitled "Improved Performance of a Non-Invasive Fecal DNA (fDNA) Test to Screen for Colorectal Cancer (CRC)," enrolled 40 individuals with CRC and 122 individuals with normal colonoscopies, none of whom had a personal or family history of polyps or CRC.

"Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and is usually our first screening recommendation to patients," commented Dr. Steven Itzkowitz, Professor and Associate Chief, Division of Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and principal investigator of the study. "However, many people are reluctant to undergo a colonoscopy. This study shows that very high sensitivity can be achieved with non-invasive, stool DNA testing. This form of testing offers an important screening option to patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo colonoscopy."

"Colon cancer continues to be a major killer in the US with too few people getting screened, creating both a major medical challenge and a significant market opportunity for a non-invasive screening approach," added Don Hardison, President and Chief Executive Officer, EXACT Sciences. "To increase CRC screening rates and drive down mortality, accurate, non-invasive options must be offered to physicians and endorsed by their major medical societies."

"Through more than a decade of research and development, and reporting in the scientific literature, it is gratifying that stool DNA testing continues to offer great promise to the unscreened population. We believe this study represents a scientific milestone for us. With sensitivity for colorectal cancer approaching 90%, we believe that stool DNA testing and colonoscopy could be a powerful one-two punch in the quest to get more people screened and to reduce colon cancer mortality."

About Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer - cancer of the large bowel (i.e., the colon and rectum) - is the second leading cause of cancer death each year in the U.S, behind only lung cancer. Over 150,000 people are diagnosed with CRC annually in the U.S., and nearly 60,000 individuals die from this disease each year.

The five-year survival rate associated with CRC is as high as 90% if the disease is detected in its early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends that all people over the age of 50 years be screened regularly for the disease. (That represents more than 80 million people in the U.S). Unfortunately, less than 40% of those over age 50 years have ever been screened, let alone as frequently as recommended. CRC screening rates are lower than those for breast and cervical cancer in women, and lower than that for prostate cancer in men. As a consequence, two-thirds of CRC cases are detected in later, less treatable stages.

About EXACT Sciences Corporation

EXACT Sciences Corporation uses applied genomics to develop effective, patient-friendly screening technologies for use in the detection of cancer. Certain of its technologies have been licensed to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) for a stool-based DNA screening assay for colorectal cancer in the average-risk population. Colorectal cancer, which is the most deadly cancer among non-smokers, is generally curable if detected early. Despite the availability of colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic tests for more than 20 years, the rate of early detection of colorectal cancer remains low, and deaths from colorectal cancer remain high. EXACT Sciences believes its genomics-based technologies will help enable detection of colorectal cancer so that more people can be effectively treated. Founded in 1995, EXACT Sciences is based in Marlborough, Mass. PreGen-Plus(TM) has not been approved or cleared by the Food & Drug Administration.

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, EXACT Sciences' expectations concerning, among other things, the performance and market acceptance of its technologies, the likelihood of publication and acceptance of its scientific data, and the research and development strategies of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp). These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond EXACT Sciences' control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the clinical performance and market acceptance of its technologies; the reproducibility of its research results in subsequent studies and in clinical practice; the success of its strategic relationship with LabCorp; EXACT Sciences' and LabCorp's ability to license certain technologies or obtain raw materials for its technologies; the ability to convince Medicare and other third-party payors to provide adequate reimbursement for EXACT Sciences' technologies; the ability to convince medical practitioners to order tests using EXACT Sciences' technologies; the ability to increase the performance of the stool-based DNA screening test; the ability of EXACT Sciences or LabCorp to lower costs through automating and simplifying key operational processes; the inclusion of stool-based DNA screening in cancer screening guidelines; sufficient investment in the sales and marketing of stool-based DNA screening; the number of people who decide to be screened for colorectal cancer using stool-based DNA screening; competition; the ability to comply with federal and state statutes and regulations relating to EXACT Sciences' products and services, including FDA requirements, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments; the ability to protect EXACT Sciences' intellectual property and the cost of enforcing or defending EXACT Sciences in litigation relating to intellectual property rights; the possibility that other companies will develop and market novel or improved methods for detecting colorectal cancer; and the ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. EXACT Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by EXACT Sciences, see the disclosure contained in EXACT Sciences' public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.

Contact:
EXACT Sciences Corporation
Bob Rochelle, 508-683-1260                           
VP, Marketing & Sales
[email protected]
or
Media
Porter Novelli Life Sciences
Melissa Hill, 858-527-3482
[email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: EXACT Sciences Corporation

[setravis]

AP
EXACT Shares Soar on New Cancer Test
Monday May 22, 11:54 am ET 
EXACT Sciences Shares Surge on News of DNA-Based Cancer Test Results


NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of EXACT Sciences Corp., developer of advanced cancer testing technology, surged on the Nasdaq in midday trading Monday on positive results for its new cancer test.
Shares rose 42 cents, 19 percent, to $2.66 on the Nasdaq in midday trading.


EXACT, which develops DNA-based testing technology for cancer, said a DNA method of testing stool to find cancer showed 88 percent sensitivity.

Study results were presented Sunday at a conference of gastroenterologists in Los Angeles. EXACT is based in Marlborough, Mass. The study involved 40 participants with colectoral cancer and 122 with normal colonoscopies. The new, noninvasive screening for colon cancer showed an 88 percent sensitivity rate and specificity of 82 percent.

"Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and is usually our first screening recommendation to patients," said Dr. Steven Itzkowitz, in a statement. "This form of testing offers an important screening option to patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo colonoscopy."

Itzkowitz was a principal investigator in the study and is professor and associate chief at the division of gastroenterology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. behind lung cancer. Each year over 150,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed as having it.