Prostate Cancer in African-American Men: Serum Biomarkers for Early Detection Using Nanoparticles
Abstract
We have blood samples from 40 African-American men with prostate cancer and 30 ethnically-matched control healthy men with questionnaire data on demographics, general health and cancer family history. Our total accrual goal is 100 cases and 200 controls. The use of nanoscale materials and devices has enhanced the lower limits of detection of proteins and other compounds in plasma and tissues. We have investigated using nanoparticles or quantum dots conjugated to proteins of interest for early cancer detection. Although sub-ELISA levels of proteins can be detected, this technology is somewhat cost-prohibitive. We are investigating other nanotechnologies for early cancer detection. Early circulating cancer cells can be identified in plasma and are thus a potential biomarker for early detection of prostate cancer. Aptamers are modified nucleic acids with the ability to bind specifically to protein targets with very high affinity, similar to antibodies, and can be employed for cancer detection. We will employ cell-based SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) in which aptamers are selected from a library of random sequences of synthetic DNA by repetitive binding of the oligonucleotides to target molecules (prostate cancer cell surface proteins). Two aptamers will be immobilized onto a gold nanowire biosensor surface with electrochemical detection and the sera from the cases and controls will be assayed for circulating prostate cancer cells. This study will make an impact in early prostate cancer detection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA494417
Entities
People
- Catherine M. Phelan
Organizations
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute