C11026: Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Thyroid CancerNovelty:
A copy number mutation for gene IQGAP1 is described that can be used in prognostic and diagnostic tests for cancer, specifically thyroid cancer.
Value Proposition:
Over the last 40 years the incidence of thyroid cancer has nearly doubled. A highly specific protein mutation will allow clinicians to more quickly and precisely identify patients with the disease, potentially before clinically relevant symptoms arise. Other advantages include:
• Accurate and inexpensive way to identify thyroid cancer in a clinical setting.
• Can be developed into prognostic marker in addition to diagnostic marker to aid in targeted therapies.
• Fast growing thyroid cancer diagnostics and therapeutics market compared to other cancer types.
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered mutations of the IQGAP1 gene that might be exploited in a diagnostic or prognostic test for thyroid cancer aggressiveness. This technology may also be further developed to treat patients with cancer over-expressing IQGAP1 protein by administering an inhibitor to IQGAP1 or administering a binding agent for E-cadherin.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a prognostic and diagnostic test for thyroid cancer.
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under CDA / NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Clin Cancer Res. 2010 Dec 15;16(24):6009-18.
