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.

U.S. Patent No. 7,514,219.

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.

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