Methods Sought for Detecting Blood-Based Cancer Biomarkers

Two institutes will work on methods for detecting and tracking blood-based protein biomarkers for various cancers.

Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, MA, USA) said that it would collaborate with the Newman-Lakka Institute (Boston, MA, USA) for personalized cancer care at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center on these methods. The work will focus on applying the company's liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry equipment along with its mass spectrometry immunoassay technology to identify markers for breast and prostate cancer as well as tumor-associated blood vessel formation.

The collaboration's mass spec research will largely take place at Thermo Fishers' Biomarkers Research Initiatives in Mass Spectrometry (BRIMS; Cambridge, MA, USA) center, though an instrument will also be installed at the Genesis Research Institute laboratory adjacent to the Newman Lakka Institute.

"We hope to be able to provide oncologists with a panel of biomarkers that sense microscopic levels of tumor cells with a simple blood test," Charles Newman, president of the Newman-Lakka Cancer Foundation, said in a statement. "The goal is to develop diagnostic tools to make it possible for physicians to check off a panel of biomarkers when patients get regular checkups, so early detection of disease can facilitate effective treatment."

The approach of the Newman-Lakka Institute is different from other cancer centers that focus on identifying new tumor targets that can be used to develop new therapies. The Newman-Lakka Institute focuses on providing care to today's patients by using currently available targeted therapies that represent the best possible combination of agents for the individual patient. BRIMS provides applications assistance in biomarker discovery and verification.

Related Links:
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Newman-Lakka Institute
Thermo Fishers' Biomarkers Research Initiatives in Mass Spectrometry