Nikki Graham

Our business aims to develop our novel biomarker panel into an innovative diagnostic tool that can predict the progression of early-stage breast cancer to late-stage invasive disease. This will facilitate more tailored treatment options for patients. 

About Us 

As a postdoctoral researcher working at the Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, my research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for reproductive cancers by underpinning the role of the immune cells throughout disease progression. 

Problem

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the earliest stage of breast cancer, and whilst benign, it may progress into invasive breast cancer if left untreated. To prevent this potential progression, most DCIS patients are therefore treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and/or long-term hormonal therapies. However, as most cases remain indolent with a relatively low risk of progression, many low-risk patients are exposed to unnecessary over-treatments that significantly impact quality of life. Therefore, there is an unmet clinical need to develop precise biomarkers to predict DCIS progression in order to offer more personalised treatment strategies. 

Solution

Our research has uncovered an immune-associated gene signature that is associated with progressive DCIS, and is currently being validated as a novel biomarker to predict DCIS progression. This predictive biomarker panel offers a diagnostic tool to accurately stratify DCIS patients into high- and low-risk groups, thus enabling more tailored treatment approaches. Specifically, high-risk patients could continue to receive relatively aggressive interventions to mitigate the risk of progression, whilst conservative therapy or active surveillance could be considered for low-risk patients, thus minimising unnecessary over-treatments. 

Market

Our target market for this biomarker tool consists of DCIS patients, who represent 25% of breast cancer cases – currently the most prevalent female cancer worldwide. This biomarker panel, accessible through healthcare providers such as clinicians, diagnostic laboratories and pathology services, could play a crucial role in the histological assessment and diagnosis for over 500,000 DCIS patients annually. With an increasing incidence of DCIS cases and a growing demand for precision medicine, the potential market for this innovative diagnostic tool continues to expand. 

Contact

Nicola Graham LinkedIn