710070Fast Track Biomarkers for Non-Hogkins LymphomaClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKPetscreen have developed a novel diagnostic test for canine lymphoma. We believe that many of the biomarkers which we have identified are common to dogs and humans, and wish to undertake this project to achieve proof of concept for human lymphoma. This proof of concept study will determine how the profile of specific protein serum markers alter with the onset, treatment and outcome of common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) is now the 6th commonest form of cancer in the UK with 11,000 new cases reported in 2007 and 4,500 deaths attributable to the disease in 2008 (source: Cancer Research UK). While new treatments have ensured that the mortality rate of the disease is now slowing, NHL (along with many other cancers) still lacks a reliable, “non-invasive” diagnostic and prognostic test. Over recent years considerable interest has arisen in using biomarkers to fill this shortfall. We are aware that the technology developed by Petscreen as a canine test could also work with humans, and wish to work with Nottingham City Hospital to undertake a feasibility study, to prove that in principal we have a viable and useful lymphoma test for NHL patients. The benefit of our idea is that we have identifed an ethical and cost effective way of identifying real world biomarkers. It is increasingly difficult to obtain real world samples, because of regulatory and ethical barriers. We are able to use spare blood from dogs to identify biomarkers, having the benefit of removing huge costs from the process. Additionally, the majority of cancer research is performed on lab induced tumours, which behave differently to naturally occuring spontaneous tumours. Our models are close to clinical reality as they have been developed with spontaneous tumours, and have not necessitated animal testing during development.