Identification of Aggressive Papillary Microcarcinomas of the Thyroid

Background:

The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and papillary microcarcinomas (PMC), PTC tumors of less than 1.0 cm, now account for about 40% of all PTC tumors. PMC tumors are thought to be relatively innocuous, however a PMC has an incidence of metastases of 20-50% and currently there is no ability to clearly determine if a PMC is indolent or aggressive at diagnosis. Consequently, many patients undergo surgery and may end up overtreated, increasing morbidity, while others may be undertreated, increasing morbidly from re-operation and worse outcomes.

Applications:

• Identification of aggressive PMC of the thyroid.
• Monitor breast cancer patients post-treatment for PMC.
• Platform for the development of novel therapeutics for PMC.

Advantages:

• Distinguishes aggressive from indolent PMC.
• Reduces morbidity from over/under-treatment of PMC.
• Reduces costs from over/under-treatment of PMC.
• Identifies and personalizes specific thyroid cancer treatments.

Opportunity:

• Looking for research and development partners and licensing opportunities.

Patents: 

• US Patent Nos. 11,162,141 and 17/515,938

Seeking:

• Licensing
• Development partner