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Detection of Neoplasia in the Esophagus
Christopher Contag, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
ccontag@cmgm.stanford.edu
Stanford University
Grant Number: 1U54CA105296-01
Participating Organizations
- Academic: Stanford University, Palo Alto VA Hospital, Vanderbilt University, University of Florida
- Industrial: Mauna Kea Technologies, Optical Biopsy Technologies Inc
Modalities
Fluorescence and reflectance endoscopy for wide area target identification, dual-axes confocal microscopic-endoscopy for sub-cellular resolution and fluorescence detection, optical contrast agent development of fluorescent molecular probes with near IR-dye labeling, phage-display library for identifying peptides specific for neoplastic Barrett's mucosa (cell surface markers). Also cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors with fluorescent tags for neoplastic disease and inflammation.
Clinical Impact
This team uses phage-display libraries to identify target peptides for near IR-labeled fluorescent probes. They have COX-2 agents, are identifying other cell surface markers specific for Barrett's mucosal neoplasia, and expect to be able to differentiate between high and low grade cells. They have at least one peptide that makes this distinction now. They are starting clinical evaluations to optimize designs and validate instruments and reagents. Team focus includes instrument development and extends to key issues in cancer biology with scope from oncogenesis through clinical detection. They are set up to use optical detection of molecular markers of disease, develop understanding of basic mechanisms of esophageal cancer, and apply these tools to develop effective detection strategies.
Strengths
Cell biological processes to discover molecular markers of disease, developments of labeled probes specific for them, dual-function endoscopic instrument development for stand-off fluorescence surveillance and then sub-cellular resolution by confocal microscopy of lesions in vivo. Early clinical dissemination by year 5 appears possible.
Synergisms with Other Teams
This team has a focus on esophageal epithelial dysplasias. Their technologies have evident synergisms with Team 1's ductal and lobular epithelial-origin breast cancer work, benefit from Team 2's pharmacokinetics and other in vivo analytical powers applied to Barrett's, Breast cancer, and Cervical dysplasias, and have commonality with Team 3's focus on epithelial cancers of the distal GI tract (colorectal dysplasias) and metastasis.
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