Compared to traditional tumor biopsy, liquid biopsy, analysis using biomarkers circulating in bodily fluids such as blood, is minimally invasive, easily accessible, and offers faster turnaround time. It has long been demonstrated that markers such as proteins, nucleic acids, and cells in blood or other biological fluids can be measured which relate to disease prognosis, recurrence, and overall survival. In the late 19th century circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were first discovered in cancer patients. Over a century later, cell free DNA (cfDNA) was detected in cancer patients.
In the past few decades, liquid biopsy has gained even greater attention and shown remarkable progress in cancer management including early diagnosis, prognostics, monitoring drug responses, etc.
Due to the extremely low concentrations of circulating biomarkers, it is critical to establish high-sensitivity protocols for extracting and quantifying these biomarkers from blood samples. At NVIGEN Inc., we have developed innovative nanoparticles to capture, enrich, and purify macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids (specifically cfDNA), and circulating tumor cells to meet the growing need for using comprehensive circulating markers to facilitate more effective personalized medicine. Our technology offers a greater sensitivity, higher yield, and better quality of cfDNA and CTCs compared to other products on the market. Our magnetic nanobead technology can also integrate with automation to improve the consistency of sample preparation and lower the cost of subsequent assays.
* Ashworth T, A case of cancer in which cells similar to those in the tumors were seen in blood after death. Med J Aust. 1869; 14: 145-147