Technical Name Precision Medicine in Post-pandemic Era-SARS-CoV-2 Virus Strain Analysis, Novel ctDNA Marker for HCC Detection, and Cancer Immunotherapy Study
Project Operator Center of Precision Medicine
Project Host 倪衍玄
Summary
1. SARS-CoV-2 Isolation and Whole-genome Sequencing Analysis-The whole-genome sequencing was performed to examine 28 SARS-CoV-2 virus strains from patient tissue samples isolated by NTUH Department of Laboratory Medicine.
2. Vh-chimera DNA as a New ctDNA Marker for Detecting the Existence of HBV-related HCC-About one-third of patients suffer tumor recurrence within the first year after surgical resection of HCC and their overall survival is compromised. The study identified vh-chimera DNA as a novel ctDNA marker for HBV-related HCC detection.
Scientific Breakthrough
1. The research compared the difference between virus sequences obtained from Taiwan and those from around the world using phylogenetic analysis to clarify the possible origins and transmissions of individual virus strains.
2. The results showed HBV integrations in >95% of HBV-related HCC patients and the copy number of vh-chimera DNA in plasma correlated with tumor size. Among patients with the ctDNA marker in plasma collected 2 months after surgery, 81.8% suffered from HCC recurrence within one year. 
3. By observing distribution, distance, and numbers of certain cells as well as their protein expression, the techniques allow us to elucidate the special difference of different immune cells in tumor microenvironment.
Industrial Applicability
1. The research group was one of the firsts to isolate virus strains and completed sequence analysis. The obtained results have prepared us to become a major platform and material provider in relative virus studies in Taiwan.
2. By collaborating with TCM Biotech International Crop. , the study will be applied to quantify vh-chimera DNA in plasma samples and detect residual or recurrent HCC.
3. The techniques are utilized to discover predictive biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy efficacy and explicate certain cellular activation in cancer patients before and after receiving immunotherapy. Correlation analysis can be further performed with tumor response, clinical benefit, and overall survival.
Matching Needs
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