Early Cancer Screening Tool

Online, October 13, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Cancer Screening Tool is Capable of Detection at the Earliest Stages

Doctors will be able to diagnosis and access results in real time, allowing for timely treatment and enhanced survival

La Jolla, CA, October 12, 2009: Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a technology capable of detecting cancer in the earliest stages (0-1). Current methods detect cancer during the second and third stages, with treatment losing efficacy at each stage of progression. The research, led by Raj Krishnan and Michael Heller from the Bioengineering Department, utilizes AC Electric Fields to isolate biomarkers shown to confirm the presence of cancer. This technology has been published in the journals of Electrophoresis, Biophotonics and Electrochemistry Communications.

Importantly, the primary biomarker for detection is high molecular weight DNA. Once this DNA is extracted from a simple blood sample, it is genotyped to identify the cancer type. This identification allows doctors to efficiently treat the cancer at its earliest point, when survival is greatest. The most recent data (unpublished) has clearly shown the ability to identify the presence of cancer in human pancreatic, ovarian and chronic lymphocytic leukemia cancers. Current research on other cancer types is ongoing.

This PCT patent-pending technology is being developed by Biological Dynamics, a company formed by the principal inventors and philanthropists. They plan to disseminate this tool by selling portable analytical instruments for only $2,000, and one-use cartridges for $20. Each test is performed by inserting whole unprocessed, undiluted blood at the point-of-care into the cartridges, then inserting the cartridges into the instrument. The test takes 15 minutes and can be administered by doctors or nurses. The device integrates wireless technology for real time data access and patient monitoring.

"We at Biological Dynamics hope to revolutionize the way in which people are screened and treated for cancer. This device enables doctors to enact minimal effective treatment at a price that is accessible for all people." - Raj Krishnan

For their innovative device, Biological Dynamics had won numerous accolades from the scientific community, including Grand Prize at the 2009 Jacobs School of Engineering Expo, Best Presentation at the UC Systemwide Bioengineering Symposium, 1st place at the $80,000 UCSD Entrepreneur Challenge and a finalist placing at the $250,000 DFJ-Cisco Global Business Challenge. Further information can be found at www.biologicaldynamics.com.