Brock develops blood-based prototype to monitor breast cancer response using GP88 biomarker
Researchers at Brock built a prototype device that measures progranulin (GP88) in blood to track breast cancer treatment responses more quickly; clinical trials are planned for next year. Funding comes from NSERC, Mitacs, the Canadian Space Agency and CIHR.
Professor Anna Ignaszak’s team at Brock University has created an electrochemical prototype that detects progranulin (GP88), a protein linked to tumour growth and drug resistance. The method intends to leverage routine blood samples taken during chemotherapy or immunotherapy to reveal molecular changes indicating whether a therapy is working, potentially reducing reliance on costly imaging. The researchers are validating the device with serum from male and female patients. Public grants from NSERC, Mitacs, the Canadian Space Agency and CIHR support the work. Clinical trials are anticipated next year.