Cancer diagnostics startup company Castle Biosciences (Houston, Tex.) has optioned a molecular diagnostic test for brain cancer. Developed by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, the biomarker-based test is intended to prospectively assess a patient’s likelihood to respond to treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common form of primary brain cancer. The test would be the company’s first product.

Formed last month, privately held Castle Biosciences is focused on applying personalized medicine to underserved diseases. The company plans to "identify, in-license, develop, validate, and commercialize" prognostic molecular diagnostic assays that have been developed at leading U.S. institutions.

For more on Castle Biosciences and the brain cancer test, see the November issue of Diagnostic Testing and Technology Report.