Early diagnosis of prostate carcinoma using liquid biopsy (EV-Surf)

The earliest possible diagnosis of cancer and the detection of therapy resistance are of utmost importance in order to maximize the survival chances of those affected. In the EV-Surf project, a new method for diagnosing cancers based on liquid biopsies is being researched.

Even a very small blood sample contains millions of extracellular vesicles (EV) that carry highly specific cancer signatures on their surface in the form of proteins. The EV-Surf project combines recent revolutionary advances in protein analytics, such as miniaturization through microfluidics, digital assay technology, and AI-based identification of protein patterns, to realize novel, highly accurate diagnoses. Using prostate cancer as an example, this project aims to demonstrate that the current limitations in sensitivity and specificity of blood-based assays can be overcome by digital analysis of EVs.

The application scenario of prostate cancer acts as an example for further development: once it has been shown for this disease that the current diagnostic limitations can be overcome, the EV-Surf technology can be transferred to a variety of other diseases. For patients, the introduction of the EV-Surf blood test means the avoidance of painful tissue biopsies and, in the case of a positive test, the integrated diagnosis of the subtype for the immediate initiation of effective therapy.