Oncology Diagnostics
One of the more innovative applications of our layered membrane technology involves profiling protein biomarkers in the cellular portions of hair follicles as surrogates for the cells in tumors. The goal is to create a minimally invasive diagnostic to measure the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of EGFr-targeted cancer therapies such as Tarceva™ (OSI, Genentech), Iressa™ (Astra-Zeneca), and Erbitux™ (ImClone).
An area of active interest to drug companies, clinicians, and the FDA are diagnostics and biomarkers to monitor PD variability in patients. With traditional (nontargeted) chemotherapeutic agents the determination of dose has historically been based on the concept of maximally tolerated dose (MTD). However, this principle does not apply in the case of newer targeted therapies where an optimal biologic dose may be preferred over MTD. Optimal biologic dose is preferably ascertained by demonstrating the desired effect on the target molecule. Thus, as targeted therapies become more common there will be an increased need for accurate surrogate tissues and markers of target response. 20/20 is developing its technology to meet these needs.
Expression of clinically significant receptors in the hair follicle. Expression of the phosphorylated (activated) form of c-Kit, VEGFr, PDGFr, and EGFr in the hair follicle is shown. The right panel of each set represents the designated protein while the left panel of each set represents total protein in the same hair follicle.