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Method For Detection Of Cancer Based On Spatial Genome Organization In The Cell Nucleus

Background:
The National Cancer Institute's Cell Biology of Genomes Group is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize diagnostic methods for detection of cancer using spatial genome organization.

Technology:
Early detection of cancerous cells is critical to the successful treatment of the disease.  Conventional cancer diagnosis is largely based on qualitative morphological criteria, but more accurate quantitative tests could greatly increase early detection of malignant cells. It has been observed that the spatial arrangement of DNA in the nucleus is altered in cancer cells in comparison to normal cells. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish malignant cells by mapping the position of labeled marker genes in the nucleus.

This invention provides methods of detecting abnormal cells in a sample using the spatial position of one or more genes within the nucleus of a cell.  Also described is a kit for detecting abnormal cells using these methods.  The technology provides sensitive and versatile methods for detecting the disease that are applicable to both solid tumors and blood cancers.  Because only small samples (100-200 cells) are required, the need for invasive procedures is reduced.  The invention also provides methods of identifying gene markers for abnormal cells using the spatial position of one or more genes within the nucleus of a cell.

Further R&D Needed:  The inventors have identified several promising markers based on a relative small set of cancer samples.  Validation and characterization of these markers on a larger set of tumor samples is now required

R&D Status: Pre-clinical in vitro

IP Status:

  • U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/094,318 filed 04 Sept. 2008

Value Proposition:
  • Sensitive and versatile method for the detection of cancer based on spatial genome organization
  • Ability to diagnose cancer from tumor biopsies after non-invasive techniques such as a mammogram or PSA assay have suggested cancer
  • The method uses extremely small sample size, has potential to detect early tumors and to distinguish tumor types.
  • The method can be allied to archived tissue samples and can be combined with existing cytogenetic methods.
   
Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Tel: 301-435-3121
Email: hewesj@mail.nih.gov

Please reference advertisement #786

Revised 12/10/2008


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Page Last Updated: 12-17-2008