Background

Prevention of cancer is a critical public health goal. It is estimated that nearly 1 of 3 deaths in the United States is attributable to cancer. Even more alarming is the fact that cancer incidence rates are rising in many parts of the world. Developing effective strategies to prevent cancer is a major priority for research organizations around the world. One of the most promising areas in this field involves the use of screening tests to detect the presence of early signs of cancer. Unfortunately, despite the 50 years of research into feasible solutions, a proper chemotoxicity test hasn’t entered the market due to technical complexities. At the core of cancer, DNA damage is the main causative agent. Analyzing DNA can provide insight into the actual cause of cancer by detecting key mutations that are characteristic of a specific disease type. Current technologies focus on identifying early signs of cancer development, and not identifying high risk of actually developing the disease in the future. The oncology market requires a chemotoxicity test that can analyze DNA and help identify possible individualized therapies for each patient.

Technology Overview

A Northeastern researcher has identified a particular set of adductomics to study as part of a chemotoxicity test to assess an individual’s risk of developing cancer and to help prevent it. This practical test will be used to analyze DNA at the molecular level and to identify characteristic damages to certain key components. While the test will initially be used in research studies and epidemiology evaluations, the ultimate goal will be for use as a cancer prevention test(both primary and secondary cancer). The test willalso be used to monitor chemotherapeutics and its effects on patient’s DNA. This technology will help educate individuals about potential cancerous risks in their lives to avoid through individual feedback.

Benefits

• A practical, inexpensive, and highly sensitive chemotoxicity test
• Comprehensive genotoxicity assessment to help efficiently prevent cancer and provide individualized feedback

Applications

• Cancer prevention test
• Genotoxicity panel for other diseases
• DNA damage monitoring test for cell culture experiments

Opportunity

Industry partners and seeking investments/sponsorship