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How tooth imaging can detect cancer

Research work between Virginia Commonwealth University and Johns Hopkins University, may be a step closer to improving the detection of metastatic tumors.

The real time and noninvasive treatment, pairs an imaging agent with a genetic element that only expresses itself when it is in cancer cells.

The breakthrough could lead to improved and earlier detection of tumors and metastases in patients and allow clinicians to monitor the cancer's response to therapy.

The research builds upon a genetic element previously discovered and characterized by a VCU researcher Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D. The study, published online in the December issue of the journal Nature Medicine, VCU researchers, together with researchers from the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, have shown how the genetic element, known as progression elevated gene-3 promoter, or PEG-Prom, can be used to image metastases in multiple animal models of human melanoma and human breast metastasis. The system can be used to measure gene expression, protein interaction or track gene-tagged cells in vivo. This approach offers significant advantages in sensitivity and accuracy over currently used imaging strategies.



PEG-Prom, which has been shown to have unique cancer specificity, was originally cloned in Fisher’s laboratory during his time at Columbia University. Fisher is VCU’s principal investigator on the study, and the first incumbent of the Thelma Newmeyer Corman Endowed Chair in Cancer Research with the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

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