Rapid Assay for Carcinoma Stem Cells

Unmet Need
While cancer therapeutics have drastically improved patient outcomes in numerous indications, novel methods to prevent cancer metastasis and recurrence are needed. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a unique subpopulation of a tumor that are more oncogenic and slow-growing than other cancer cells within the tumor. CSCs make up approximately .1-10% of solid tumors and are a major driver of tumor growth and heterogeneity. Importantly, conventional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are often unable to target CSCs, leading to metastasis and tumor recurrence. Consequently, new therapies or regimens that can effectively target CSCs are a promising approach to improve the treatment of solid tumors.

Technology Overview
This invention describes a method of detecting CSCs within urothelial cancer that can inform treatment. The inventors found a subpopulation of cells within human urothelial carcinoma xenografts that had a higher capacity to form de novo tumors in mice. These CSCs had high surface expression of 67 laminin receptor (67LR), and cytokeratin-17 (CK17). By detecting the presence of cells expressing high levels of 67LR and CK17 in an urothelial sample, tumors with this subpopulation of CSCs can be identified, and treated using an antibody to target 67LR.

Stage of Development
The inventors have validated this approach using human urothelial carcinoma xenografts.
 
Publication
Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2009 Dec;28(3-4):291-304
 

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