Developing methods to determine Akt/PKB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of colorectal cancer patients

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Given the high mortality rates in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, there is an urgent need for a convenient, more accurate and cost-effective screening test that could triage patients for more intensive procedures such as colonoscopy. This would improve patient compliance and clinical outcomes. CRC is the second in females and third in males leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada and worldwide and has been a significant public health problem. In 2011, there were an estimated 22,200 cases of CRC in Canada, and some 9,000 died (Canadian Cancer Society). Over 90% of patients diagnosed with localized colorectal cancer survive more than five years. Unfortunately, very few people are screened. A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control reported that only 42% of the at-risk population in America has been tested. In real terms this means that over half of the 56,290 Americans and the 10,000 Canadians expected to die of colorectal cancer in 2013 could have been saved if they had undergone screening. The objective of this Engage grant proposal is to design and develop a FACS based test for cytoplasmic Akt which could be a marker for early detection or diagnosis of CRC. The results of proposed research would aid in developing screening technology for CRC with potential for economic benefit to Canada in addition to reducing the lifetime costs associated with CRC. This grant proposal would also enable establishment of research collaboration between the PI and Emergent Biosolutions.