A Noninvasive Test for Cancer
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one the commonest cancers in Hong Kong and South China. The gold standard for diagnosing NPC is by endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx, together with the histological examination of nasopharyngeal biopsies. However, these examinations are costly, labour-intensive and uncomfortable. In this regard, we have previously developed a blood test for NPC. This blood test has been shown to be useful for the detection, monitoring and prognostication of NPC. Although blood taking is a relatively risk-free procedure, it still causes pain and anxiety to the patient. Recently, we have developed a new technique for detecting tumour-derived molecular changes in the urine of NPC patients. This new test provides an ultra-noninvasive means for detecting and monitoring of NPC. This technique can also be applied for the detection of other cancers.
07/MED/243
Inventor(s): Professor Dennis Y M Lo, Department of Chemical Pathology
Patent Status: US Patent Pending
香港
