Early Detection of Lung Cancer via Tumor DNA Fragments in Blood
Abstract
Earlier diagnosis of lung cancer has the potential to save countless lives. If a small tumor is detected and is surgically removed before it has a chance to spread, the probability of cure is very high. Unfortunately, most lung tumors are diagnosed at a later stage, when cure is much more difficult to achieve. Scientists have been working for decades to develop blood tests to detect lung cancer early, but it has been very challenging. Recent technological developments are enabling an entirely new approach to this challenge. It is now possible to detect rare fragments of tumor-derived DNA in blood harboring genetic signatures that are unique to the tumors from which they are shed. Our project aims to investigate the feasibility of using circulating tumor DNA as a highly specific marker for early detection of lung cancer. Our laboratory has developed ultrasensitive methods for detection of such rare fragments of tumor-derived DNA, and we plan to test whether this technology can successfully detect early-stage tumors in individuals who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. Because such mutated DNA is not expected to be found in the blood of individuals who do not have cancer, false-positive results are expected to be rare. Thus, we believe that this approach holds excellent promise as a method for lung cancer screening. While it may take several years before there is sufficient clinical evidence to justify using this approach on a broad population, we shall take the important first step of assessing its feasibility on a smaller test population.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1610184
Entities
People
- Abhijit Patel
Organizations
- United States Army
- Yale University