Enhancing Early Relapse Detection in Testicular Cancer through Rolling Circle Amplification of microRNA Biomarkers
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Year 2023
- Principal investigator Andy Jia
- Host institution University of British Columbia
- Research location University of British Columbia - Vancouver Campus
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Partner(s)
Canadian Consortium of Clinical Trial Training Platform (CANTRAIN)
This project aims to improve the accuracy of early-stage testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) relapse detection in patients through rolling circle amplification (RCA) of plasma microRNA miR371. GCTs pose a significant challenge in clinical management due to the lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers for early relapse detection. Patients are at risk of over-treatment and long-term chemotherapy toxicity that negatively impacts life expectancy and quality of life. Patient blood samples from the BC provincial genitourinary biobank will be used.
Commonly used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based detection methods have limitations such as precise temperature control requirements that other isothermal amplification techniques lack. RCA is an isothermal method that is effective in treatment and research applications. The clinical validity of microRNA miR371a-3p has been shown to be a potential biomarker for non-teratoma GCTs. However, the sensitivity of this biomarker in early-stage GCT detection using current PCR methods is low, and more accurate methods to detect smaller amounts of circulating miR371 are needed. RCA result sensitivity will be evaluated against PCR results.
The successful implementation of RCA will validate a more sensitive method for miR371 analysis. This will enhance clinical decision-making, reduce treatment toxicity, and extend the reach and applicability of early GCT relapse detection to resource-limited settings.
Andy Jia is a Master of Science student specializing in Interdisciplinary Oncology at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The project will be conducted in the Nappi Lab at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, which has extensive experience in miR371 analysis.
The Canadian Consortium of Clinical Trial Training Platform (CANTRAIN) and Michael Smith Health Research BC provide funding through the CANTRAIN-CTTP & Michael Smith Health Research BC Master’s Studentship 2023 Award Program.