OPTICAL BIOSENSOR FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. In the first stage we propose to determine if the measurement of proteins (specifically CEA) secreted by the breast captured in a nitrocellulose filter can be used in detecting breast cancer. For that purpose we will obtain samples from nipple secretions in nitrocellulose paper from patients requiring a breast biopsy to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. In a second stage an optical biosensor that has been optimized for the detection of CEA will be used to detect fluorescent labeled antibodies directed against CEA found in the serum and breast secretions. The tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) will be used as an early marker for breast cancer in blood and nipple secretions as a model system. Ultimately, the biosensor will be a handheld device that can be used to test minute amounts of blood or secretions in a point of service context. The availability of such a device should allow earlier and more convenient testing for CEA and, eventually, for other tumor markers.