A universal source of biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, detection and post-treatment follow-up of cancer

Introduction

The occurrence of cancer is systematically associated with major disturbance of epigenetic guiding resulting in aberrant repression and un-programmed activation of genes. Researchers at the Institute Albert Bonniot (University Joseph Fourier, Grenoble-1) have made the hypothesis that the un-programmed gene activations could be a common feature of all cancers and have proved that they provide us with a source of numerous cancer biomarkers.

The Technology

A new approach developed by the researchers has provided a key for a large-scale detection of biomarkers, which proved to be valid in 14 different types of tumors. This led to the discovery of a universal source of new biomarkers.

The scientists have further studied the potential of specific sets of these genes as biomarkers in lung cancer and have shown that they can predict survival rates in lung cancer patients, independently of other known clinical and/or pathological parameters. More specifically, they identified a group of aggressive tumours demonstrating not only poor survival rates but also high metastatic potential.
Their approach also enabled them to identify promising new therapeutic targets for these aggressive incurable tumours.

• New therapeutic strategies : predictive and personalized medicine
• Prognostic prototype kit: serological test with on/off detection
• Proof of concept in lung cancer and lymphoma
• Applicable to all types of cancers

Intellectual Property

This technology – including the approach leading to the identification of the genes, as well as the list of all the genes – is protected by patents


Technology Status

The prototype of prognosis/follow-up of lung cancer has now been developed. It is a RT-QPCR assay, detecting the aberrant of genes, especially those frequently activated in lung tumors associated with poor prognosis.


Developmental Opportunities

Floralis is currently looking for partners to further develop this promising technology which demonstrates significant potential in the predictive and personalized medicine domain.


Contact

Valentine PANEL, PhD
Project Manager Biology/Healthcare
6 allée de Bethléem – F- 38610 Gières
Tel. +33 (0)4 56 00 60 42 – Fax. +33 (0)4 76 00 70 38
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