Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer

Categories:  “Cancer Therapeutics“

Reference #: 2012-005

OTC Contact: Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D., MBA, CLP (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

Researchers at Georgetown University have identified a novel panel of microRNAs that could be used for
the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of thyroid cancer. The invention relates to using a combination of miRNAs to diagnose thyroid cancer, as well as to discriminate between different types of thyroid cancers. The present invention provides a method for screening for a specific type of thyroid cancer or precancerous lesion, including papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma, follicular adenoma, and nodular hyperplasia.

Application

• Panel of miRNAs can be used to determine type of thyroid cancer for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

Advantages

• Accurate diagnosis of thyroid cancer type
• Thyroid cancer stratification, since various forms can have significantly different prognosis
• Improved diagnosis of tumor type would lead to improved management of patients and avoid
  unnecessary surgery

Stage of Development

miRNA expression profiles were determined for normal tissue and different types of thyroid tumors and
lesions. This work is currently being extended to additional types of cancers.

Patent Status

Provisional application filed.

Inventor Status

• Offie P. Soldin
• Catalin Marian
• Yuriy Gusev