Researchers at Pitt are evaluating the potential use of fusion transcripts in serum samples for diagnosing and predicting the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). They analyzed a panel of 9 fusion transcripts in serum samples from individuals with and without HCC, using TaqMan qRT-PCR. The results revealed that several fusion genes were frequently detected in the serum samples of HCC patients, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for HCC.
Description
The studies found that cancer treatment reduced most of the serum fusion transcript levels, reflecting the reduction of tumor load, indicating the potential use of serum fusion gene machine learning models in screening HCC and monitoring the impact of cancer treatment. This suggests their potential as essential tools in screening HCC and monitoring the impact of cancer treatment. The findings have implications for early diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and monitoring of HCC treatment, potentially leading to more effective management of the disease.
Applications
- HCC diagnosis
- HCC management
Advantages
The potential use of fusion transcripts in serum samples is a non-invasive method for assessing the risk of HCC and monitoring the impact of cancer treatment, potentially contributing to the development of effective screening and management strategies for HCC, ultimately improving patient outcomes. There are novel features of employing fusion transcripts, such as biomarkers, developing machine learning algorithms, and the cost-effective and minimally invasive nature of the procedure. There is potential of serum fusion gene machine learning models as valuable clinical tools for liver cancer diagnosis and management.
Invention Readiness
This technology is at the level of in vivo data. The research study analyzed a panel of 9 fusion transcripts in serum samples from individuals with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to aid in early diagnosis. Serum samples from 136 individuals (61 HCC patients and 75 non-HCC individuals) were analyzed using TaqMan qRT-PCR. The results revealed that 7 fusion genes were frequently detected in the serum samples of HCC patients, including MAN2A1-FER (100%), SLC45A2-AMACR (62.3%), ZMPSTE24-ZMYM4 (62.3%), Pten-NOLC1 (57.4%), CCNH-C5orf30 (55.7%), STAMBPL1-FAS (42%), and PCMTD1-SNTG1 (16.4%).
IP Status
Patent Pending
