ChemImage and Colorectal Cancer Detection Technology
ChemImage is pioneering the development of an in vitro test that can detect colorectal cancer and pre-cancerous polyps from a dried blood spot.
Raman Molecular Imaging (RMI) is a combination of Raman spectroscopy and molecular chemical imaging -- a powerful, high-information technology for the analysis of biological tissues. ChemImage is applying this proven technology to blood serum analysis -- specifically in developing a Raman Immunoassay for Colorectal Cancer. (RICC).
RICC is a lab technician-operated, RMI test for detecting colorectal cancer and polyps in blood serum. In operation, RICC works by:
- Illuminating spatially resolved molecular components of blood using a laser Raman molecular imaging microscope.
- During the Raman process, biological molecules within the blood cause a change in the light as it scatters from constituents with the dried blood spot.
- The spatially resolved Raman scatter collected by the RICC instrument produce spectral biomarkers which are enriched in the blood serum when cancer is present.
- Spectral biomarkers are fused with immunoassay biomarkers using proprietary algorithms. Patient results are then classified into a diagnostic category and results are provided to the clinician.
With most cancers, long-term survival rates are heavily predicated on the stage of initial diagnosis.
The RICC diagnostic test, which is undergoing validation, is anticipated to be used in conjunction with colonoscopy and other test methods in accordance with recognized screening guidelines.
It is our goal to continue to refine an effective blood test for the detection of polyps and colorectal cancer that can significantly impact the detection and management of colorectal disease.
ChemImage and Prostate Cancer Tissue Assay
Raman Molecular Imaging (RMI) technology has demonstrated promise in differentiating lethal from indolent prostate cancer – a disease with a clinical course that is difficult to predict
In operation, prostate cancer tissue samples in ChemImage’s Prostate Progression Assay (PPA) are illuminated by a laser in a RMI microscope. RMI images are then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to determine whether the disease is indolent or will progress -- a predictive outcome first verified in early retrospective studies with the Mayo Clinic, but subsequently confirmed in prospective studies being performed with the Allegheny Health Network.
Raman Molecular Imaging Prostate Progression Assay Can Provide:
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A clear discrimination between slow growing and aggressive carcinomas based on supervised classification and machine learning applied to Raman analysis of prostate tissue
In other words, prostate cancer tissue assays enable the discrimination of samples from patients who might go on to develop aggressive metastatic disease, from those who do not.
ChemImage is helping surgeons and oncologists develop more accurate and intuitive prostate cancer treatment protocols.
