Novel Theranostic for NUT-Rearranged Carcinomas (NRC)

Brigham and Women's Hospital
posted on 05/12/2011

• request more info 
•   
•  LICENSE ONLINE

The Technology: A test for identifying cancer patients with a chromosomal rearrangement that results in a fusion between the NUT (nuclear protein in testis) gene, and a bromodomain gene (e.g. BRD3 or BRD4). Patients with this rearrangement have reduced histone acetylation which leads to cell proliferation. As such, these patients are likely to benefit from therapy with agents that promote increased histone acetylation (e.g. histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors). Application: This technology can be used to (i) identify patients that harbor BRD-NUT and NUT-variant chromosomal rearrangements (e.g. patients with NRC) and (ii) treat such patients with HDAC inhibitors. Advantages: This technology provides a potential diagnostic test and tailored therapy for the treatment of NUT--Rearranged carcinomas which are aggressive. For instance, NUT-Rearranged Carcinoma patients are currently treated with Ewings Sarcoma Therapy which generally results in partial remission followed by recurrence and death. These patients might benefit from targeted treatment with HDAC inhibitors. HDAC inhibitors have traditionally been used to treat neurological disorders. As such, companies with HDAC inhibitors either in development or in the market could expand the indication for their compounds for the treatment of certain types of solid tumors. Patent Status: US Provisional Application Filed.