Invention:
This invention is a biomarker model, in which the biomarker detected can be used as a companion diagnostic or for screening and diagnosis of a variety of cancers. The model includes a novel liquid biopsy process that accurately measures biomarkers from blood samples by enriching for cell-derived vesicles shed directly from affected tissues. The data will eventually guide the use of tailored cancer therapies. LINE-1 has been studied as a cancer biomarker for several years; however, it is currently not a reliable biomarker in blood samples. This technique, greatly increases the accuracy and reliability of using LINE-1 as a blood biomarker.
Background:
Companion diagnostics are increasingly being used in precision drug therapies where patients can have differential disease pathways. By measuring various biomarkers, clinicians can build a picture of an individual’s cancer and treatment plan. Blood is an effective source of biomarkers for a particular cancer but is easily drowned out by noise from other molecules in the sample. Here, researchers have developed a fluid biopsy method that acts by enriching for molecules shed directly from affected cancer tissues and then quantifying the biomarkers separately from the blood.
Applications:
- Assays and biomarkers for early cancer detection
- Screening technologies for lung and liver cancers
- Cancer treatments and prevention
Advantages:
- More accurate
- Enhanced personalized medicine capabilities
- Uses blood, no need for tissue biopsy
- Cancer screening and prevention
- Overcomes challenges of current LINE-1 blood testing
