Biofluid-Based Detection of the Migration Switch in Prostate Cancer to Predict Metastatic Disease

Abstract : We discovered two new potential biomarkers in additional to CD151.The optimization protocols for microflow cytometry has more stringent requirement than regular whole cell based flow cytometry. The development of our assay parameters established standards for future clinical assay development and current liquid biopsy collection and handling protocols. The development of our test has optimized no fewer than 30 parameters spanning clinical sampling and storage to antibody dilution and conjugation. To improve the time for actual analysis, we have isolated a pre-diagnosis cohort of 100 patients (Negative and positive for PCa) that are balanced for age and PSA (10ng/mL) at time of biopsy. This small cohort will be used for preliminary assessment of new potential biomarkers and antibody variants (i.e. different epitopes) for any particular biomarker. I received an invitation to be a speaker at the Alpbach Technology Forum (Austria) - New enlightenment and the Austrian Falling walls 2016 competition will take place. My work from the competition were highlighted in the President's 'report at the university governance committee. An open doors event in which I had the opportunity to present my work. There is a collaboration with Department of genetics, Harvard Medical School (institute of RNA medicine) - Using Dr. Lewis' miRNA and chicken embryo platform in researching breast cancer. The collaborator is a HMS's scientist, who researches miRNA medicine/therapeutics and has discovered one particular RNA that may have a role in breast cancer. Another in-house collaboration was developed with a laboratory in oncology studying osteosarcoma using Dr. Lewis' in house imaging platforms.