A groundbreaking new method for detecting brain cancer has been developed by a team of scientists from the University of Notre Dame in the US. This innovative ‘liquid biopsy’ requires only a small sample of blood and can accurately detect biomarkers associated with glioblastoma within an hour. The developers claim that this method surpasses all existing tests for brain cancer detection, showing excellent accuracy and near turn-key functionality.
The liquid biopsy works by sensing mutated blood biomarkers, known as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), which are commonly found in cancers like glioblastoma. These biomarkers are contained within extracellular vesicles, unique nanoparticles secreted by cells, which are much larger than molecules and possess a weak charge. The technology behind the liquid biopsy was specifically designed to detect these nanoparticles, utilizing their features to achieve high sensitivity and accuracy.
In experimental trials, the biochip used in the liquid biopsy was tested on blood samples from glioblastoma patients and healthy individuals. The results showed that the test could detect cancer biomarkers with excellent accuracy and reproducibility, even at very low concentrations. The biochip’s ability to quantify exosome concentrations, down to 0.01 percent, has significant implications for cancer research, biomarker discovery, and disease monitoring.
While the liquid biopsy shows promise for detecting brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma, there are still some limitations that need to be addressed. Mutated EGFRs are not specific to glioblastoma and can be found in other types of cancer as well. Therefore, the test may not be able to differentiate between different types of cancer or accurately determine the stage of the disease.
To improve the specificity of the test, the researchers suggest analyzing larger cohorts of glioblastoma patients to identify unique biomarkers that can distinguish this particular type of cancer. By scaling up the diagnostic platform and conducting more extensive testing, the team aims to establish specific profiles for different cancers at various stages.
Overall, the development of the novel liquid biopsy represents a significant advancement in the field of cancer diagnostics. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential for early and accurate detection of brain cancer through a simple blood test is a promising prospect for patients and healthcare providers alike.
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