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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]