Degree
Master of Science
Program
Surgery
Supervisor
Dr. Joseph L. Chin
2nd Supervisor
Dr. Nicholas Power
Joint Supervisor
Abstract
Currently available screening tests for prostate cancer (PCa) are neither very sensitive nor specific. Microparticles (MP) are submicron tumor cell fragments released by PCa cells into the circulation and offer a possible means of sampling the tumor. We evaluated the utility of a MP blood test using nanoscale flow cytometry to distinguish patients with PCa from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We used monoclonal antibodies against prostate specific membrane antigen, gastrin releasing peptide receptor and ghrelin peptide ligand.
We found higher but statistically insignificant, PSMA and Ghrelin dual +ve MP counts in the BPH group. Our results show that although MP can be enumerated, better more exclusive surface antigens and different antibodies, are required to test the utility of MP for this to be used as a "Next Generation Screening Tool" for PCa. In addition, comparison with a more suitable control group would improve accuracy of the experimental test.
Recommended Citation
Siddiqui, Khurram M., "Prostate Cancer Microparticles as a Next Generation Screening Tool for Prostate Cancer" (2014). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2641.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2641
Included in
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Male Urogenital Diseases Commons, Nanotechnology Commons, Neoplasms Commons, Translational Medical Research Commons