Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer

Categories: “Diagnostics” “Research Tools“

Reference #: 2012-005

OTC Contact: Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D., MBA, CLP, Director, (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.

Applications

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

Advantages

Accurate diagnosis of thyroid cancer type is very important in the management of disease since various forms can have significantly different prognosis. It is difficult to distinguish between different forms of thyroid cancer using current methods. Accurate diagnosis of tumor type would lead to improved management of patients and avoid unnecessary surgery.

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.

Stage of Development

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

Relevant Publications

No references or resources available.

Patent Status

Provisional Application Filed