AroCell AB has submitted a new patent application: “Predicting Patient Survival”
AroCell announced today that a patent application has been submitted regarding the use of an immunoassay of Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) to enable more accurate prognoses in prostate cancer patients. The patent is based on research together with the University of Tampere.
In the study, on which this patent application is based, TK1 protein levels were assayed with AroCell TK 210 ELISA in serum samples collected from subjects with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and compared with the extent and speed of disease progression over a period of 10 years. The study was executed in collaboration with the Prostate Research Center at Tampere University Hospital and coordinated by Professor Teemu Murtola of the Pharmacoepidemiology and Chemoprevention of Urological Cancer Research Group.
“Thymidine kinase 1 in serum predicted survival after prostate cancer diagnosis, demonstrating independent predictive value over established clinical risk factors. If confirmed in further and larger studies, this biomarker could be incorporated in prostate cancer risk stratification when selecting optimal treatment and surveillance schedule.” says Professor Teemu Murtola.
“Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and this patent strengthens AroCell’s position as a developer and promoter of novel biomarkers for monitoring cancer. The patent will reinforce our position and increases AroCell’s attractiveness as a business partner. We will continue to develop our proprietary portfolio to further expand our business opportunities.” says Michael Brobjer, CEO AroCell.
There is a recognized need for better prognostic tools in prostate cancer. For many men, the disease will take a benign course and therefore there is a need to avoid over-treating these patients while providing more accurate monitoring of those with active disease. This is especially important with the advent of new and more effective therapies for prostate cancer.