High Sensitivity Liquid Biopsy Monitoring and Prognosis of Cancer Using Nanodroplet Analysis of Circulating DNA
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Lund |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 000 000 |
| Project duration | July 2015 - June 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
There is an urgent need for improved biomarkers to determine disease status in cancer patients. In this project we have now successfully verified in several cancer types our innovative methods for measuring circulating tumor DNA from a simple blood sample. As planned, we also formed our spin-out company, SAGA Diagnostics AB, which has made a number of business partnerships, is negotiating a number of sales, and is currently seeking additional capital to fund expansion.
Expected results and effects
Following to our detailed project plan, we have performed several verification studies for our methods and analyzed blood samples from patients with breast cancer, melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia, and lung cancer. We have also developed new software to help automate our technologies and improve scalability. We formed our spin-out company, now with five employees, and are on our way to generate revenues and expand operations. Within 5 to 10 years, ctDNA analyses have a real potential to reduce the cost of cancer care and improve patient survival and quality of life.
Planned approach and implementation
We completed all four of our stated Specific Aims, which included 1) laboratory verification of our methods in breast cancer, 2) software development, 3) laboratory verification in other cancer types, and 4) commercialization activities. We finished most of our milestones on time or ahead of schedule. We had to deviate from the plan for one milestone, which however allowed us to accomplish more in our other aims than originally planned. Therefore, in general our implementation has followed our plan closely and we believe this project has been a great success.