Team:CSMU Taiwan
Introduction of UTUC
In Taiwan, Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for about 30% of all urothelial carcinomas. The prevalence rate of UTUC in Taiwan is significantly higher than the global average.
Dialysis in Taiwan
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is proven to be associated with the occurrence of UTUC. Besides, Taiwan has the highest incidence of end stage renal disease. Therefore, this positive correlation between CKD and UTUC is a critical issue in Taiwan.
Current Detection of UTUC
Computed Tomography (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Urine Cytology are common early stage diagnostic methods. However, the accuracy of these detections are too low or not suitable for use by CKD patients to efficiently identify the stage of UTUC.
Our Solution - GotCha
This year, CSMU_Taiwan came up with a new detection method for early UTUC diagnosis based on microRNA capturing and rolling circle amplification(RCA).
How GotCha Works
The circular probe of GotCha binds to the target microRNA, which serves as the primer of RCA. Therefore, the readout of product DNA can be back-calculated to the amount of target microRNA in the sample. The results will then correlate to the presence of UTUC in the subject.
Outreach
GotCha is a potential way to early detection of UTUC according to the feedbacks of professors and doctors we consulted. We strive to commercialize GotCha , and through which make solid impacts in the field of UTUC detection.
