Diagnostic test for epithelial cancers, including endometrial, based on serum levels of adiponectin and associated therapeutic compounds (BIDMC 715)

Category:    Diagnostics/Biomarkers

KeyWords:  Cancer;  Epithelial;  

BIDMC ID:    715

Abstract:

Background: Cancer of the endometrium is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs in the US. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 40,320 new cases of cancer of the uterine corpus (body of the uterus) diagnosed in the United States during 2004. The American Cancer Society also estimates that about 7,090 women in the United States will die from cancers of the uterine body during 2004. An increased incidence of endometrial cancer has been associated with prolonged estrogen exposure. Furthermore, endometrial cancer has consistently been associated with obesity, which is currently accepted as a risk factor for the development of the disease. Invention: This technology comprises a diagnostic marker useful for assessing the risk for endometrial cancer and a potential therapeutic compound for the treatment of this disease. In particular, the research here at BIDMC has determined that circulating levels of adiponectin, a hormone with insulin-sensitizing properties, correlates inversely with the presence or risk of endometrial cancer in women younger than 65. This discovery enables the development of a diagnostic test and therapeutic compound for cancer.

Inventor:   Christos Mantzoros M.D.

Commercial Opportunity:

? Detection of the presence, absence or risk of endometrial cancer. ? Treatment of endometrial cancer

Competitive Advantages:

Novel method for the detection and treatment of endometrial cancer.

Related Publications:

?      Dal Maso L, et al. Circulating adiponectin and endometrial cancer risk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Mar;89(3):1160-3. http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/89/3/1160
?      Adiponectin and breast cancer risk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Mar;89(3):1102-7.
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/89/3/1102
?      Petridou E, et al. Plasma adiponectin concentrations in relation to endometrial cancer: a case-control study in Greece.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Mar;88(3):993-7.
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/88/3/993

State of Development:

Related Technology URL:

http://research.bidmc.harvard.edu/research/ResearchPIInfo.ASP?Submit=Display&PersonID=454

Patent Status:

Worldwide applications pending.  PCT Publication No. WO2004/063711

TVO Contact Info:
     Stanley C Mah
     Senior Associate TVO
     smah@bidmc.harvard.edu
     Phone: 617-667-0573   Fax: 617-667-0646

     Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
     Technology Ventures Office  Room: BR-0200
     330 Brookline Avenue
     Boston, MA 02215