Technologies

C03729: Detection of Aberrantly Methylated Genes in Human Samples as Markers of Malignancy

Technical Details:

Inventors have identified novel genes that may be aberrantly methylated in cancer cells. A method for quantification and diagnosing such methylation has also been developed called quantitative multiplex-methylation specific PCR (QM-MSP).

Advantages:

- This technology can be used to detect aberrant methylation in various body tissues including: blood, plasma, duct cells lymph, ductal lavage fluid, nipple aspiration fluid, breast tissue, lymph nodes, bone marrow, etc.
- Aberrent methylation can be detected in tissue containing as little as 50 – 1000 tumor cells resulting is a highly sensitive test.
- May allow for quick detection of cancer leading to rapid and aggressive cancer treatment which may increase chances of patient survival.
- This technology may also be used for disease staging and/or detecting therapy response.

Publications: Issued Patents US 6835541 and US 7858317

Evron, Ella, et al. "Detection of breast cancer cells in ductal lavage fluid by methylation-specific PCR." The Lancet 357.9265 (2001): 1335-1336.