Method for Predicting and Detecting Tumor Metastasis
Background:
The Laboratory of Developmental
Neurobiology of the National Institute for Child Health and Human
Development seeks a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
(CRADA) collaborator to develop a possible prognostic tool to
identify whether cancers are metastatic.
Detecting cancer prior to metastasis greatly increases the efficacy
of treatment and the chances of patient survival. Although numerous
biomarkers have been reported to identify aggressive tumor types
and predict prognosis, each biomarker is specific for a particular
type of cancer, and no universal marker that can predict metastasis
in a number of cancers have been identified. In addition, due to a
lack of reliability, several markers are typically required to
determine the prognosis and course of therapy.
Technology:
This new technology is based on
carboxypeptidase E (CPE) inhibitor compositions, the expression
levels of which increase according to the presence of cancer and
metastasis. CPE is upregulated in tumors and CPE levels are further
increased in metastatic cancer. This data has been demonstrated
both in vitro and in vivo experiments and in liver, breast,
prostate, colon, and head and neck cancers. Metastatic liver cells
treated with CPE siRNA reversed the cells from being metastatic and
arrested cells from further metastasis.
Applications:
Method to prognose multiple types
of cancer and determine likelihood of metastasis
Development Status:
Pre-clinical, in vivo
proof-of-concept
Advantages:
Significant potential to increase patient survival.
Contact
Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Phone: 301-435-3121
E-mail: Hewesj@mail.nih.gov
Reference: #554 JC