Small RNAs as pre-diagnostic markers of testicular cancer
July 2021 – July 2023
Background
Small RNAs has recently been described to be essential for spermatogenesis, to be found in circulation, and to outcompete the classical tumor markers in the diagnosis of germ cell tumors.
Aims and Study Design
In collaboration with the Danish blood donor study, we will investigate how long prior to a clinical diagnosis of a germ cell tumor, we can detect diagnostic small RNAs in circulation. The Danish blood donor study, which started in 2010, includes a biobank of successive blood samples obtained from 135.000 apparently healthy Danish blood donors, some of whom develop testicular diseases. Access to samples from this biobank is an essential part of this project. We also want to use this unique setup to test if other clinical markers and serum hormones concentrations change prior to a clinical diagnosis of testicular cancer and whether the genetic profile impacts on these parameters. In EDMaRC we will be responsible for the analysis of samples from blood donors that later develop testicular cancer.
The Research Team
Key persons involved from EDMaRC are Anders Juul, Kristian Almstrup, and Nina Mørup Nygaard. In addition to the Danish blood donor study, deCODE genetics and the department of oncology at Copenhagen University Hospital- Rigshospitalet are also partners in the project.
Key EDMaRC researchers in the project:
MSc, PhD
Nina Mørup Nygaard
MSc, PhD
MDSc, Professor
Main Sponsors
Independent Research Fund Denmark
Aase og Ejnar Danielsens Foundation
Svend Andersen Foundation