Development of Assays for Detecting Significant Prostate Cancer Based on Molecular Alterations Associated with Cancer in Non-Neoplastic Prostate Tissue

The goal of this project is to develop biopsy based assays to assess the probability that patients with a negative biopsy or with a prostate cancer (CaP) Gleason score 6 (GS6) biopsy actually have significant CaP of Gleason score 7 or higher which was missed during the biopsy evaluations due to insufficient sampling. In 2014, we considerably expanded the size of the discovery samples which will improve the robustness of biomarkers and developed methodologies for improving the detection of epigenetic modification in rare cells. Also, we tested several methods for multiplex analyses of transcriptome and DNA methylation changes. Further, we have secured additional funding which will allow us to expand transcriptome and epigenome profile of indolent and significant prostate tumors. Finally, we have applied for major grant initiatives which if funded, will help expanding the scope of this study through the use of nano-scale devices and quantum dot based assays. We are expecting the publications of our research results in the coming year.
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