The technology can be used to develop a screening, diagnostic, or monitoring assay for lung cancer. The method is rapid, requires only a small blood sample, and is compatible with a number of standard analytical platforms such as quantitative PCR and microarrays. An important advantage of the system is that it differentiates lung cancer patients from high-risk patients without malignant disease, including smokers, former smokers, and COPD patients. This assay can become a minimally-invasive test for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, and for monitoring patients following treatment.

PCT Application No. PCT/US2008/013450 (WO 2009/075799, published 06/18/2009); U.S. and international applications have been filed.

Wistar is seeking corporate partners to collaborate in using this technology to develop a cancer diagnostic and monitoring tool. An exclusive license or sponsored research agreement would be considered.

In preparation.