Degree
Master of Science
Program
Surgery
Supervisor
Pautler, Dr. Stephen
2nd Supervisor
Power, Dr. Nicholas
Co-Supervisor
3rd Supervisor
Leong, Dr. Hon
Co-Supervisor
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains a substantial contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Current screening methods include obtaining a PSA blood test. However, controversy surrounds its use as it is neither sensitive nor specific.
Nanoscale flow cytometry is a type of microfluidics-based technology that allows enumeration of submicron tumor fragments known as microparticles (MPs). In this study, prostate specific microparticles in patient plasma were targeted using fluorophore-conjugated antibodies. Targeted cell surface antigens or biomarkers include: prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate-1 (STEAP1), ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) and CD151.
A statistically significant difference in the level of MP levels was measured with PSMA+STEAP1+GHSR1a and PSMA+STEAP1+CD151 triple-expressing MPs when comparing Gleason score (GS) 6 to GS3+4, GS4+3 and GS≥8 cohorts. In this pilot and exploratory study, I show that MPs have the potential of becoming a “liquid biopsy” that can assist in risk stratification prior to a prostate needle biopsy.
Recommended Citation
Brar, Harmenjit Singh, "Triple Positive Microparticles as a “Liquid Biopsy” for Risk Stratification of Prostate Cancer" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4933.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4933