A major success for the Node has been the development of tissue-based diagnostic tools to provide prognostic information for individual patients and shaping their treatment. Much of this has been based on identification of specific proteins either individually or several concurrently (using multispectral imaging). Our capacity to develop in-house or jointly with an industrial partner is greatly enhanced through our access to a huge tissue archive through the NovoPath Biobank (CePa).
A fine example of the generation of a novel prognostic biomarker is the work of Professor Penny Lovat in early-stage cutaneous melanoma which was carried out in the Node. This utilises simultaneous assessment of two proteins (Ambra 1 and Loricirn) to identify high and low risk AJCC stage I and II melanoma sub groups. The test has been developed through a NIHR i4i award and has led to the establishment of a spin out company AMLo Biosciences.