Cancer Chip for Detection of Various Cancers
Early Cancer Predictor
Early cancer detection is a key to finding effective treatments for many cancers. Often cancers are related to certain gene mutations and if it is known that mutations in a gene or multiple genes might be involved in causing these cancers, then theoretically it may be possible to detect or even predict certain cancers and conceivably come up with cures for these cancers. However, in practice, this is not easy due to the daunting number of mutations possible and often several genes involved with a disease state.
Technology Based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs)
Often there are variations in DNA sequence in a gene and these often occur when a single nucleotide (A, T, C, or G) in the genome sequence is altered. These are called single nucleotide polymorphism or SNPs for short. Each individual has many SNPs that together create a unique DNA pattern for that person. Most of these SNPs cause no harm but gene variations with certain SNPs are believed to be associated with specific diseases. Hence, SNPs promise to significantly advance our ability to understand and treat human disease.
SNPs comprise the most abundant form of human genetic variation, with frequency estimates ranging from as many as 1 in 300 to about 1 in 2000 base pairs. In a genome of approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, this would equate to anywhere from 1.6 to 12 million human SNPs. Other estimates suggest as many as 15 million SNPs. So understanding how some of these SNPs may be associated with certain diseases
Zooming in on A Few Key SNPs With Sophisticated Models
However, using their knowledge of disease-causing genes and a genetic computer algorithm, this large amount of data was boiled down to some 20,000 known SNPs and out of these they distilled it further down to 220 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which accurately predict which cancer a person will get with 85% sensitivity (true positives) and 100% specificity (i.e., no false positives).
These 220 SNPs predict whether a person will have one of six solid cancers (breast, colon, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate) with 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity. An additional 8,000 SNPs can be used to improve these percentages should they fall as more samples are genotyped. The genetic algorithm uses elegant software and a desktop PC is sufficient for the computations. The company is also developing know-how to be able to use its inventory of SNPs and its expertise in computerized predictive models to be able to develop tests (and treatments) for additional 50 common types of cancers.
Platform Technology Needs Investors and Licensing Partners
This technology is one of the most promising technologies for early / predictive detection of a variety of cancers and also for design of new drugs to treat this. By making the cancer detection possible (and with the potential of developing cures), this technology has the potential of becoming a major breakthrough in the detection and treatment of diseases while lowering healthcare costs. The company is looking for strategic and licensing partners.
Contact Us
Do contact us for more information on this technology and to connect with our client.