Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are remarkably high worldwide, with 1.4 million new cases and approximately 700,000 deaths per year. With the rapid increase, the global incidence and mortality rate of CRC is predicted to undergo 60% rise by 2030. CRCs arise through genetic changes that impact various driver genes, and some tumors have been found to have a high mutational rate within repetitive DNA sequences (microsatellites). It is now known thathypermutable phenotype associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) results from loss of DNA repair activity. Treatment of cancers, including CRC, with increased MSI, is still a challenge.
Summary of the Invention
Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center discovered a precision method for diagnosis of colorectal cancer and subsequently proposed new treatment options for CRC patients with high MSI. The method involves activated the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and the nervous system receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK), that have been linked to tumorigenesis and malignancy of many epithelial tumors, but not considered biomarkers for CRC. The scientists propose establishing mutational profile of EGFR and/or NTRK in CRC with high MSI, followed by administering therapeutic agents available to treat EGFR-related cancers and/or NTRK-related cancers.
Advantages
- Effective new precision medicine for treatment of CRC patients with advanced disease.
- Cost-effective and fast reach of clinic for FDA approved drugs with proven clinical efficacy. IP StatusPatent application was published WO2018/157032 A1.
For licensing/partnering information, please contact:
Inna Khartchenko, MS, MBA
Director, Technology Transfer
E-mail: [email protected]