Gene Expression Biomarkers for Diagnosing Lung Cancer Types

Inventor: Louise C. Showe, Michael Nebozhyn, Anil Vachani, Steven M. Albelda

Tech ID: SL05001

Description: Researchers at The Wistar Institute and the University of Pennsylvania have developed a panel of ten genes that is a highly-accurate tool for distinguishing between primary lung cancer and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in patients with previous head and neck malignancies.  Wistar and Penn researchers developed the 10-gene classifier panel from among 100 high-potential candidate genes identified using more than 9,000 probes.  This integrative biomarker tool has been validated on data from four independent laboratories on more than 120 samples of primary lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and by quantitative RealTime PCR.  The panel has been shown to differentiate the two tumor types with an average accuracy of 96%.

Key Words: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, cancer diagnosis, biomarkers, lung cancer, head and neck cancer

Applications and Advantages: HNSCC is characterized by a high incidence of spread (metastasis) to the lungs. However, patients with HNSCC are also at high risk of developing primary LSCC, for which treatment options and prognosis differ. Distinguishing between metastatic disease and primary lung cancer in HSNCC patients is diagnostically challenging.  The two cancer cell types are morphologically similar, making them difficult to differentiate by examination of biopsied tissue.  Gene profiling could readily be performed on tissues collected from routine biopsy to increase the accuracy with which these cancer types are diagnosed.

Intellectual Property Status: This technology is protected by U.S. Patent Application 11/560,410 “Method for Distinguishing Between Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma” (Showe, L.; Nebozhyn, M.; Vachani, A.; Albelda, S.; November 16, 2006).

Licensing Opportunity: Wistar is seeking corporate partners to license this technology for development as a cancer diagnostic tool.  Sponsored research for the development of this technology will also be considered.

Reference: Vachani et al.; (2007) “A 10-gene classifier for distinguishing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma”. Clin Cancer Res 13: 2905-2915

Contact:

Meryle J. Melnicoff
Director, Business Development
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-0049
Fax: (215) 573-2456
melnicoff@wistar.org

Last updated: Nov. 2007