Innovation

Test Offers Early Detection of Melanomas and Other Cancers

University of Vermont
posted on 03/13/2008

A new blood and tissue test can detect metastatic cancer at an early and treatable stage.

Suggested Uses

Early detection of advanced melanomas.
Early detection of cancers of the breast, lung, ovary, colon, and pancreas.
Determining chemotherapy dosages and response to treatment.

Advantages

  • Diagnostic test finds over 95% of advanced melanomas.
  • Extreme sensitivity allows early detection & treatment.
  • Could also be used for cancers of pancreas, ovary, lung, colon & breast.
  • Quantifies cancer cells.
  • May be used to monitor effectiveness of chemotherapy.
  • Low cost to commercialize.

Innovation Details
 

Detailed Description

Unprecedented Sensitivity

This noninvasive test detects over 95% of advanced melanomas and is up to 1,000-fold more sensitive than other testing methods, enabling it to detect very low levels of cancer.

Improves the Prognosis

The sensitivity of the test enables patients to start treatment at an early stage of their disease, thus improving the prognosis and potentially allowing them to receive lower and less toxic doses of chemotherapy.

A Versatile Test

The test could be used for the detection of cancers other than melanoma. These include cancer of the pancreas, ovary, lung, colon, and breast.

Quantitative Measurement

Rather than detect only the presence or absence of malignant cells, the test is quantitative. It yields measurement data for metastatic cancer cells that can be used in determining a patient’s treatment and monitoring individual response to therapy.

File Number: 262 

Other Information:

Commercialization

We anticipate a low cost to develop and produce a commercial application of this technology. Entry into the heathcare market should be rapid as the technology does not directly involve a therapeutic intervention.



If commercialized by a medical laboratory, the test could be ordered by healthcare providers. The only specimen required would be a simple blood or tissue sample.



Next Steps

Clinical studies will determine the sensitivity and specificity of the test in patient populations.


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People

Principal Investigator:

Icon_avatar Marcus Bosenberg

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