Years: 2019-2020
Training Site: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH)
Country: Peru
Mentors: Robert Gilman, MD; Monica Pajuelo, Pharm, PhD
Title: “Validity of the Gastric String Test as a Noninvasive Method for the Detection of Gastric Cancer”
Program Objectives: This project aims to investigate the possibility of the string test as a method of gastric cancer detection. We will focus on testing the working hypothesis that DNA collected from gastric juice is as effective as DNA collected via biopsy at determining if a patient has gastric cancer using a molecular tool developed by this research group. String test will be performed utilizing method described by Velapatino et al. Consenting subjects swallow a gelatin capsule that contains and absorbent string and water. The capsule has protruding string. The protruding string is taped to the subject’s cheek prior to swallowing. The string is removed after 1 h and 20 to 20 cm of its distal portion will be put in 500 μL of transport media.
NIH Support: Fogarty fellows postdoctoral training award, NCI supplement
