Media.Player

Genomic Markers of Hepatitis B Virus in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Summary

Despite strong epidemiological evidence correlating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), no viral marker(s) has been identified to predict development of liver cancer. We have established a database of viral genome and clinical data based on a cohort of HBV-infected patients who developed HCC and an age-matched control cohort who had chronic hepatitis B without HCC. Complete genomic sequencing of HBV has been performed in all patients. The genomic information has been analyzed by computer data mining methods. Our findings show that HBV can be classified into different genotypes and subtypes. Each HBV subtype with several genomic markers of HCC development have been identified. An algorithm using the serum genomic markers of HBV to predict HCC has been developed with an overall accuracy of over 75%. Advantage: Currently, there is no molecular marker that can predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among chronic hepatitis B patients. The conventional methods for surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma are serum alfa-fetoprotein levels as well as abdominal ultrasound examination. These markers can pick up possible early cancers for further confirmatory investigation. However, HCC surveillance by alfa-fetoprotein checking and ultrasound scanning has to be done regularly, usually 6 monthly. With the vast population of chronic hepatitis B patients particularly in Southeast Asia, it is almost impossible to perform HCC surveillance to every patient in terms of public health resource. The Technology of our current work is a panel of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic markers and a related algorithm to stratify the risk of patients for HCC. The genomic algorithm can predict cancer risk among chronic hepatitis B patients. This test is so far unique in the market.

Commercial Potential: The major purpose of the current Technology is to predict cancer risk among chronic hepatitis B patients. This can be used as a reference to guide the allocation of public health resource in HCC surveillance. In other words, those patients who have higher cancer risk will deserve a more aggressive surveillance program, and vice versa.

Supplementary Information

Patent Number: ES2270687B1
Application Number: ES2005100A
Inventor: SAN MARTIN LOPEZ JOSE JAVIER | HERNANDEZ TAMAMES JUAN ANTONIO
Priority Date: 19 Jan 2005
Priority Number: ES2270687B1
Application Date: 19 Jan 2005
Publication Date: 1 Jun 2008
IPC Current: G09B002328 | A61B001900
Assignee Applicant: Univ Rey Juan Carlos
Title: DISPOSITIVO HAPTICO PARA CIRUGIA VIRTUAL
Usefulness: DISPOSITIVO HAPTICO PARA CIRUGIA VIRTUAL
Summary: Used in virtual surgery.
Novelty: Haptic device used in virtual surgery, has pneumatic supports equipped with pneumatic cylinders and actuator, and provided with head portions that can be changed based on surgical technique to be simulated

Industry

Biomedical

Sub Category

Pathogen

Application No.

04/MED/167 Patent Status: Inventor: Professor Joseph SUNG,  US Patent 7439020 Department of Medicine and Therapeutics  Chinese Patent ZL200510098674.0  Hong Kong Patent HK1087440 Licensing Status: Worldwide exclusive or non-exclusive licence (exclusive arrangement is subject to HK Gov’t approval due to funding guideline)

Country/Region

Hong Kong