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LUNGMARK
Lung Cancer Biomarkers
LUNGMARK: a blood test for lung cancer diagnosis
We have discovered a group of 6 molecules, known as microRNA
biomarkers, circulating in the bloodstream and associated with the
presence of the deadliest form of lung cancer (adenocarcinoma; the
single biggest cancer killer in the world).
These can be tested for using simple PCR methods.
POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS
There is currently no blood test for lung cancer diagnosis or
prognosis. LUNGMARK has potential to be this test.
[we are also at an advanced stage with our discovery phase
of breast and prostate cancer blood tests]
THE PROBLEM
 Lung adenocarcinoma is the biggest cancer killer
There is no blood test available for its diagnosis
>80% are diagnosis a late stage when the tumour has spread
~20% of people diagnosed survive 1 year
 There currently is NO means of early diagnosis
OUR SOLUTION: SIMPLE BLOOD TEST
CLOSEST “GOLD-STANDARD”: CT SCAN
 When already some evidence of lung cancer:
gold standard for confirmatory diagnosis.
[damaging X-rays so only performed when there is already evidence]
 CT scans are expensive (> 10 times cost of blood test)
 limited availability to equipment
 many patients wait longer for the CT
than they live beyond diagnosis with lung cancer.
SOLUTION:
Blood test (so relatively painless for patients: need <tea-spoon of
blood) with potential for diagnosis and on-going monitoring
CURRENT SOLUTION
CT SCAN
TECHNOLOGY AND PATENT STATUS
This panel of microRNAs in blood was discovered using
advanced microarray approaches
We have simplified it to now being simple polymerase chain
reactions requiring very small volumes of blood
A US patent has been filed on LUNGMARK
(TCD Ref: LO02-310-01)
WHEN LUNG CANCER IS
THE OPPORTUNITY
ALREADY PRESENT OR
EVIDENCE OF
LIKELIHOOD OF LUNG
CANCER:
LUNGMARK is available for licensing to a company who is keen
to increase their exports with minimally-invasive cancer
biomarkers.
Alternatively, if you would like to continue research in this area,
there are various support mechanisms and grants suitable for
furthering the development of LUNGMARK in collaboration with
Dr. O’Driscoll, Dr. Rani and Prof. O’Byrne (Consultant
Oncologist/Lung Cancer Specialist) at Trinity College Dublin.
Researcher: Dr. Lorraine O’Driscoll [email protected]
+ 353 1 896 2822
Contact: TTO Case Manager
+ 353 1 896 4152
[email protected]