Non-Invasive Diagnostic Monitoring Of Cancer-Gene Expression

Larta Institute
posted on 10/10/2007

Technology Description:
Three diagnostic/prognostic factors have been identified by researchers at UCSD and UCLA. Among these are PINCH, which is over-expressed in cells with metastatic potential and is a predictor of reduced survival; Smac/DIABLO, which sensitizes cells to apoptosis and therefore is a positive outcome prognostic factor for patients with renal cell carcinoma; and Yin Yang 1 (YY1), which is a transcription factor over-expressed in prostate cancers.

So far, these three prognostic factors have been evaluated using such techniques as immunohistochemistry and RTPCR. In all these cases, the tissues to be examined had to be obtained by biopsies from the patients – an invasive procedure which carries risks of infection and other side-effects and discomfort associated with surgeries. New medical imaging technology invented by researchers at UCSD would allow the visualization of these prognostic factors by noninvasive techniques, such as ultrasound, X-ray, or PET scans. These new technologies allow for better, more specific targeting to your molecule of interest, allowing you to directly visualize the diagnostic factors in the tissues of the patients without performing an invasive procedure.

Combined, the compounds and imaging technology can provide a more comprehensive and accurate set of diagnostic tools for cancer

Technology Background:
The medical community is constantly trying to develop better diagnostic and prognostic factors to optimize treatment for cancer patients. Because cancers are characterized by a wide range of factors specific to the type of cancer, diagnostic methodology should provide indicators of metastatic ability, apoptotic ability, as well as expression of well-understood oncongenes. However, these indicators can normally be monitored only via biopsies or other surgical procedures. This combined technology will facilitate better diagnosis of specific cancer types through non-invasive means.

Advantages

- Permits treatment optimized to individual patient’s needs
- Faster diagnosis/treatment non-invasively
- Reduces risk/pain of biopsy
- Shows molecular composition of tissue

Innovation Details

File Number: B-105

Other Information:

Intellectual Property:
At least a portion of this combination is protected by US Patent No. 6,245,522; other rights may also pertain.

Additional Information:
Technology Bundling Project
Funded by Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and administered by Larta Institute, the Project’s expert panels examined technologies from 18 Southern California research centers and identified inventions which could be synergistically combined for unique solutions. These Linked-Solutions are now being offered for license, with reduced red tape and “1-stop technology shopping”

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