Drexel University College of Medicine

Recently, we have shown one of the proteins identified in prostate cancer is a urine marker for the disease (>80% sensitivity and specificity). In addition, we have developed an anti-sense oligonucleotide therapy technology to eradicate this gene and to prevent human tumor growth in mice. Mouse survival improved by >80% as a direct result of treatment. We will extend these studies to carry out clinical trials in humans in the near future. In addition, we are utilizing this technology to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in colon and breast cancer. Early detection and aggressive treatment of cancer can greatly improve the life span of afflicted individuals and the overall survival rate by a significant margin. According to the American Cancer Society, in the U.S. there are an estimated 181,000 new cases of prostate cancer, 94,000 new cases of colon cancer and 184,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year. Approximately 22% of the patient succumb from prostate and breast cancer by 3-5 years, and >50% of colon cancer patients die within 3 to 5 years.