Product name
Novel biomarkers for detection of testicular carcinoma in situSummary
Highly specifc AP2 gamma can identify CIS and testicular cancer cells non-invasively in semenOrganization name
EMBLEM - the comercial arm of the European Molecular Biology LaboratoryProfile
Virtually all testicular cancers originate from the same precursor, the carcinoma in situ (CIS) cell. If left untreated, CIS will invariably progress into testicular cancer. Unfortunately, the disease is rarely diagnosed at this asymptomatic stage, since it hitherto has required a testicular biopsy to identify CIS.
The existing diagnostic procedures are either invasive or imprecise:
- Tissue biopsy is usually performed by surgical removal of the testicle. After the testicle is removed, the tissue is examined;
- Scrotal ultrasound is used to confirm solid mass;
- Blood tests for tumor markers: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Approximately 85% of non-seminomas will have elevations of either AFP or beta HCG. Seminomas will have elevations only in beta HCG or LDH. These tests can also be used to monitor the response to treatment;
- A chest X-ray is done to look for potential metastasis (spreading of cancer) to the lungs;
- An abdominal CT scan may be done to look for potential metastasis.
Technology
Identification of novel CIS biomarkers, including AP-2gamma, was done by Kristian Almstrup in collaboration with the Ansorge group at EMBL. The use of detecting AP-2gamma was later shown to be highly specific for testicular CIS testing. Due to it´s specificity the biomarker has opened the possibility to identify CIS cells and derived testicular cancer cells without biopsy in semen samples. This was proven in clinical studies carried out both internally but also by external laboratories.
Commercial Opportunity
A early non-invasive default diagnosis could significantly increase the success of testis cancer treatment. A non-invasive diagnostic kit offers the possibility of routine testing and will give access to the public health market. The survival rate for men with early stage seminoma (the least aggressive type of testicular cancer) is greater than 95% and the disease-free survival rate for Stage I nonseminomatous cancer is nearly 95%. In general testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, if diagnosed in time.
Developmental Status
The aim of the current work is to develop and validate a non-invasive diagnostic test for early detection of testicular cancer based on identification of pre-invasive CIS cells in semen samples.
National and international patent applications have been filed.
Contact
EMBLEM
Dr. Martin Raditsch
Raditsch(at)embl-em.de
About EMBLEM
EMBL Enterprise Management Technology Transfer GmbH (EMBLEM) is an affiliate and the commercial arm of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). EMBLEM, established in 1999 identifies, protects and commercialises the intellectual property developed in the EMBL-world, from EMBL-alumni and from third parties. EMBLEM facilitates and accelerates the transfer of innovative technology from basic research to industry by working closely with industrial partners spanning the biotech, ITC and mechanical/electrical engineering markets to develop new diagnostics, drugs, therapies and machines and devices.
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