Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and cell free DNA have emerged as a promising surrogate for the tissue biopsy, potentially enabling non-invasive, real-time cancer monitoring. Most cancer cells release high levels of EVs and cell-free DNA into circulation that carry molecular constituents of the parent tumor. Gliomas are among the most lethal of cancers and despite improved survival associated with surgery, utilizing intraoperative MR imaging guidance, as well as the postoperative use of the alkylating agent temozolomide, in combination with conformal radiation therapy and the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab, glial tumors remain uniquely morbid, costly, and incurable. Brain tumor biopsy, necessary for clinical information, is itself associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Consequently, there is a crucial need for more effective ways to determine the mutational landscape of early-stage tumors, via minimally invasive platforms, allowing for effective follow-up and biomarker-based care. The main goal of this proposal is to optimize liquid biopsy assays for the IDH1.R132H and EGFRvIII mutations in partnership with industry. This alliance includes Exosome Diagnostics, an industry leader in EV-based cancer diagnostics, offering ready capacity to develop and manufacture in-vitro diagnostic assays, and the Department of Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, a pioneer in developing liquid biopsy signatures for brain cancer. These teams bring in their multidisciplinary expertise, innovative technologies and complementary resources to carry? ?out? ?the? ?proposed? ?work.
Brain tumors are extremely difficult to treat and cause patients to lose important normal brain function and have a low survival rate. Better ways are needed to diagnose brain tumors, which would allow patients to have more effective therapies and less invasive procedures for diagnosis. In this project we are developing a liquid biopsy for brain tumors which would allow a blood test to be used to diagnose and help guide treatment for these difficult tumors. This would greatly improve the care of patients with this disease.
