MDSC clinical assay for cancer detection and monitoring in urothelial carcinoma.

TPS110Background: Human Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) have gained recognition as a significant population of cells that arise in cancer patients to mediate immune tolerance. Some studies have shown MDSC concentrations to be associated with overall survival and response to therapy in urothelial carcinoma. MDSCs comprise a heterogenous population that are yet to be fully characterized. We have identified a set of biomarkers uniquely expressed by the suppressive human MDSC phenotype and have developed an assay targeted to these markers. MDSCs are potentially a relatively cheap and easily performed screening and monitoring tool in cancers. This study will examine how a proprietary clinical assay works in detecting and monitoring MDSCs in blood and urine samples from patients with or without localized or metastatic bladder cancer. Methods: The pilot research trial will enroll 63 subjects in a 1:1:1 ratio in three groups, normal controls over age 40 without evidence of any malignancy, patients with m...