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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

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Page Last Updated: 12-17-2008