Advanced Lung Cancer Screening: An Individualized Molecular Nanotechnology Approach
Abstract
This grant utilizes complimentary approaches to improve the early detection of lung cancer. Our goal is to examine whether detection of DNA methylation and enhanced CT evaluations will improve the specificity of lung cancer detection. In the first year of this proposal, we have developed an improved panel of genes hypermethylated in lung cancer, with extraordinarily high specificity and sensitivity. Initial panels demonstrate 100% specificity and 95-99% sensitivity in lung cancer in the United States. These novel genes have been used to develop sensitive methylation specific PCR assays suitable for biologic fluid testing (sputum and serum). We have optimized the processing of biologic samples to accomplish improved retention of DNA suitable for methylation detection, and have combined this improved method with newly developed PCR detection. This optimized processing has increased extraction efficiency by up to 5 fold, and analytical sensitivity improvements are over 25-fold. Evaluation of primary sputum and serum from patients with lung cancer and screen controls is ongoing. In combination with this molecular detection approach, we have examined alterations in air space for improving detection of lung cancer, with an evaluation of emphysema score in patients with lung cancer and non-cancer patients receiving CT evaluation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589726
Entities
People
- James Herman
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University