Assay and Drug Target for Ewing's Sarcoma

Ewing�s sarcoma is a highly aggressive bone or soft tissue-associated tumor of children and young adults. The tumor frequently progresses undetected until it metastasizes, whereupon the mortality of the disease greatly increases. This technology reveals a new molecular marker, NKX2.2, which has high specificity and sensitivity for Ewing�s sarcoma. In addition to being a diagnostic marker, NKX2.2 plays an active role in the progression of Ewing�s sarcoma and its pharmaceutical targeting may prove useful in treating the disease. To this end, the researchers have developed both cellular and animal models useful in studying progression of the underlying pathology.

Benefits
Early diagnosis of Ewing�s sarcoma is critical though its identification is often missed under standard histologic screening. This new marker, used either alone or in complement with existing screens, will improve diagnosis of the disease. Although Ewing�s sarcoma is rare, there are a number of more common �look-alike� conditions that would benefit from having a diagnostic that rules out Ewing�s sarcoma. Thus, NKX2.2 expression could be analyzed in a much wider array of clinical specimens than the incidence of Ewing�s sarcoma would suggest. Current treatments for Ewing�s sarcoma generally involve chemotherapeutic agents with little specificity for this disease, and are associated with significant side-effects. In focusing on NKX2.2 signaling mechanisms, this research hopes to identify potential therapeutics that may be more specific in the treatment of this condition.

Stage of Development
This technology is part of an ongoing research program to uncover pharmacological mechanisms whereby NKX2.2 might be targeted. Opportunities are available either to sponsor future investigations or to license for external development. The intellectual property status of this technology is currently under internal review.

Additional Info
*Smith R. et. al. �Expression profiling of EWS/FLI identifies NKX2.2 as a critical target gene in Ewing's sarcoma� Cancer Cell. 2006 May; 9(5): 405-16.
*See also http://www.huntsmancancer.org/group/lessnick/lessnickLab.jsp

Inventor(s): Stephen Lessnick

Type of Offer: Licensing



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