Novel Biomarkers for Predicting Head & Neck Cancer Risk
C12502
Invention Novelty:
This invention provides DNA methylation-based biomarkers for predicting Head & Neck Cancer risk.
Value Proposition:
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with more than 500,000 new cases and 300, 000 deaths each year. Early detection of HNSCC can lead to a satisfactory cure while late detection leads to serious surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and potential disfigurement, dysfunction, and mortality. Thus, it is important to identify biomarkers and develop diagnostic tests for HNSCC risk. This technology is an epigenetic predictive biomarker for HNSCC. Advantages of this technology include:
- Development of early stage diagnostic can reduce costs associated with treating late-stage patients.
- High sensitivity (89%) and specificity (63%) for accurate diagnosis
- Biomarkers can be adapted into a quick diagnostic test
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins Researchers have identified a genetic biomarker for HNSCC risk. Samples from ten HNSCC patients and ten matched controls were sequenced using methyl binding domain sequencing and subsequently subjected to genome-wide DNA methylation analyses. Subsequent validation tests verified the ability of three methylated gene promoters to discriminate tumor from control samples based on their methylation levels. A gene panel combining any of the three genes had 89% sensitivity, 63% specificity, a 0.91 AUC and a Positive Predictive Value of 91.3%.
Looking for Partners: To develop this invention into a commercial HNSCC risk diagnostic test
Stage of development: Pre-clinical
Data Availability: Under CDA/NDA
Patent Status: Pending
Publication(s)/Associated Cases: WO 2015/066170; PMC4143405
Categories: Diagnostics
Keywords: HNSCC risk, biomarker, DNA methylation, epigenetic
