Office of Technology Development

Cancer Marker Discovery and Validation

SK1181

Summary of Invention

The study of circulating tumor cells can yield important biologic and clinical information. Yet, it has been limited by the paucity of specific and sensitive markers. Pre-genomic approaches rely on known tumor-associated phenotypes or genetic aberrations. The present invention features novel methods and compositions for identifying markers of minimum residual disease (MRD), as well as markers of metastatic cells. It also provides methods for detecting MRD and metastatic cells in a subject. It utilizes genome-wide scanning for expressed genes in tumors versus blood and bone marrow and has, i.e. identified a three- marker signature prognostic for overall survival and survival without new metastasis in Ewing family tumors.

Advantages

Monitoring of tumor activity previously undetectable by standard histologic and radiographic techniques
Selection of specific and sensitive cancer marker sets for different cancers based on a marker discovery algorithm
Accurate quantitation of MRD
Prognostic indicators for overall survival
Identification of optimal timing for adjuvant therapy in patients
Validation studies in various patient cohorts has been achieved

Area of Application

Prognostic/diagnostic methods

Stage of Development

Clinically validated in various patient cohorts. E.g. neuroblastoma, Ewing Family Sarcomas, metastatic breast cancer, osteosarcoma, metastatic prostate cancer etc.

Lead Inventor

Nai-Kong Cheung, MD, PhD

Patent Information

PCT application published: WO2006/089091

References

Cheung IY, et al. (2007) Clin. Cancer Res. Dec 1;13(23):6978-83

Cheung IY, et al. (2007) J. Mol Diagn. Apr;9(2):237-41

Contact Information

Imke Ehlers, PhD, CLP

Licensing Manager
Tel: 646-888-0580; Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: ehlersi@mskcc.org

Stage of Development

Clinical development

Categories

adjuvant therapy (A-joo-vunt THAYR-uh-pee)

Additional cancer treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk that the cancer will come back. Adjuvant therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or biological therapy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

blood (blud)

A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

bone marrow (bone MAYR-oh)

The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

breast (brest)

Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)

Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

genetic (jeh-NEH-tik)

Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

marker (MAR-ker)

A diagnostic indication that disease may develop.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

metastasis (meh-TAS-tuh-sis)

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-tuh-SEEZ).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik)

Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary site (place where it started) to other places in the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

neuroblastoma (NOOR-oh-blas-TOH-muh)

Cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

osteosarcoma (OS-tee-oh-sar-KOH-muh)

A cancer of the bone that usually affects the large bones of the arm or leg. It occurs most commonly in young people and affects more males than females. Also called osteogenic sarcoma.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

prostate (PROS-tayt)

A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

residual disease (ree-ZID-yoo-ul dih-ZEEZ)

Cancer cells that remain after attempts to remove the cancer have been made.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tumor (TOO-mer)

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)