Methods and Diagnostics for Cancer Detection and Treatment Monitoring

This $375,000 funding award will foster the development of a commercially available early test for estrogen-negative breast cancer. 

Srinidi Mohan, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of New England College of Pharmacy, has received a provisional patent for his early detection and disease monitoring method, which uses a marker in the blood to detect the presence of highly aggressive tumors and to help track cancer growth. 

The two-year award from Maine Cancer Foundation will focus on developing the test, called NOHA, as a less-invasive, blood-based indicator for sensitive estrogen-negative breast tumors in racially distinctive populations. The breast cancer test will be used for early prognosis, screening and pre-operative tumor management. The project aligns with the MCF mission of reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer throughout Maine. MCF is in the midst of a 5-year statewide campaign, called Challenge Cancer 2020, that aims to reduce cancer impact 20% by the year 2020.