Description:
- Cancer diagnostic
- Pathology
- Biomarker imaging
Abstract
USC researchers have developed a novel multiplexed surface enhanced Raman scattering nanoparticle (SERS NP) strategy that exploits the power of Raman spectroscopy for molecular mapping of tumors from patient samples. Multiplexed SERS NPs will be conjugated with tumor-biomarker targeting ligands allowing for preferential binding of at least 26 biomarkers simultaneously within the tumor, thereby creating a molecular map of the excised specimens in a single imaging acquisition. Clinicians will be able to utilize this imaging strategy on any tissue sections prepared for histology for pathological analysis.
Benefit
- More practical than immunohistochemical staining, which is the gold standard and is often limited to a single biomarker per tissue section
- Exceeds limitations of current methods, making it non-destructive, inexpensive, easy to interpret, and non-laborious
- Unsurpassed sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities that would make molecular mapping facile and a useful clinical tool for both pathologists and oncologists
Market Application
Market Opportunity:
Nearly 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected to occur in the United States in 2021. While new immunotherapies are being developed, failure to fully understand the molecular expression and tumor heterogeneity can lead to harsh side effects and potentially non-effective treatment responses, which can increase patient morbidity and healthcare costs. This creates a need for a method to easily map the molecular profile of a patient’s tumor in order to develop personalized therapies that is most effective for the patient.
USC Solution:
USC researchers have developed a novel multiplexed surface enhanced Raman scattering nanoparticle (SERS NP) strategy that exploits the power of Raman spectroscopy for molecular mapping of tumors from patient samples. Multiplexed SERS NPs will be conjugated with tumor-biomarker targeting ligands allowing for preferential binding of at least 26 biomarkers simultaneously within the tumor, thereby creating a molecular map of the excised specimens in a single imaging acquisition. Clinicians will be able to utilize this imaging strategy on any tissue sections prepared for histology for pathological analysis.
Publications
Zavaleta et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2013)
Other
Applications:
- Cancer diagnostic
- Pathology
- Biomarker imaging
Stage of Development:
- Proof of concept (Multiplexing Capabilities of SERS-based High-plex Imaging) demonstrated using lab data
- US patent pending.