Chinese researchers have developed a groundbreaking imaging method aimed at improving breast cancer surgery outcomes by preserving healthy tissue. This innovative technique, which targets the Trop2 biomarker—overexpressed in more than 85% of breast cancer tumors—was detailed in a study published in *Science Translational Medicine* on October 16, 2024. The method combines immuno-PET and near-infrared imaging using sacituzumab govitecan, allowing for accurate detection of tumor margins before and during surgical procedures. In trials involving 26 human patients, the method demonstrated an impressive sensitivity of 86.96%, indicating its potential to significantly reduce reoperation rates and enhance overall surgical success. [67bed85b]
Continental Hospitals has introduced a groundbreaking Early Detection Liquid Biopsy Test, developed with insights from the Texas Medical Center, offering a non-invasive, efficient, and highly sensitive method to detect cancer at its nascent stage. The test analyzes tiny fragments of DNA shed by tumors into the bloodstream, allowing for early detection before traditional symptoms manifest. The development of the test was significantly influenced by advancements in the understanding of exosomes as powerful biomarkers in cancer, utilizing novel DNA signal amplification technology and nanomaterials for unmatched precision and sensitivity. The implications of the test are profound, with the potential to significantly reduce mortality rates by catching cancer at its earliest, treatable stages. However, challenges regarding accessibility, affordability, and the psychological impact of early detection on patients need to be addressed. Continental Hospitals remains committed to ensuring that this revolutionary test can be a source of hope and healing for all who need it. [a4adb7f8]
Initial results from the PEGASUS trial suggest that liquid biopsy can be used to guide post-surgical clinical management and improve the response to chemotherapy in patients with stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer. The trial, sponsored by IFOM ETS and supported by Guardant Health, used the Guardant Reveal blood test to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Patients with positive results received standard chemotherapy, while those with negative results received a milder therapy associated with less toxicity. The study found that patients with a positive liquid biopsy result had a higher rate of cancer recurrence compared to those with a negative result. The trial's findings may influence the modification of clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of colon cancer and support personalized chemotherapy based on molecular response. [a13e112e]
In related news, Ausel, a clinical-stage cancer diagnostic company, has started enrolling patients in its final clinical study for a test that detects cancer at an early stage. The test uses simple metabolites instead of free-floating cells or genetic material shed by tumors. It can be done in any doctor's office without special equipment. The primary endpoint of the study is to validate the diagnostic in patients with lung and breast cancers and submit it for EU approval. A parallel study will also be conducted to expand the scope of the diagnostic beyond breast and lung cancers. Ausel aims to enhance early cancer detection and improve treatment outcomes for patients. [3c1710e9]
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a test using artificial intelligence that can detect changes in the organization of the cell nucleus of blood cells, providing a reliable indication of a tumor in the body. The test achieved an accuracy of around 85% in distinguishing between healthy and sick individuals, as well as correctly determining the type of tumor disease. The researchers believe that this technique could be applicable to many different types of cancer and various forms of therapy. Further research is needed before the technique can be approved for clinical use. [552ebb62]
The Columbia Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI) at Columbia University utilizes flow cytometry technology in its stem cell research. The CSCI Flow Cytometry Core Facility provides access to state-of-the-art flow cytometry technology for single-cell isolation and analysis. The facility supports over 60 labs and approximately 400 users, with applications in stem cell studies, neuroscience, cancer research, bioengineering, and immunology. The facility relies on the Sony Biotechnology MA900 Multi-Application Cell Sorters, which offer ease of use, automation capabilities, and exceptional performance. The facility is seeking to expand its capabilities by acquiring new instruments for sorting cells based on signal localization and introducing full-spectrum flow cytometry. They also aim to improve sample preparation by introducing instruments that facilitate robust sample handling. [80062b0d]
A team of researchers from the US and Taiwan have developed a saliva test that can detect breast cancer biomarkers. The hand-held biosensor uses paper test strips treated with specific antibodies and an open-source software platform known as Arduino. The test is fast, affordable, and accurate, providing results in under five seconds per sample. Mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs are costly and invasive, while the saliva test is more cost-effective and requires just a drop of saliva. The biosensor can provide accurate results even with a very low concentration of the cancer biomarker. Breast cancer is the most frequently detected cancer globally, with over 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths per year. The future impact of breast cancer is expected to escalate, with projected figures estimating over three million new cases and a million deaths in the year 2040. [bb3ac5a1]
The American Experience documentary 'The Cancer Detectives' on PBS explores the backstory of the Pap smear, a cervical cancer screening test. It highlights the discovery of the test by George Papanicolaou, the challenges faced by Black OB/GYN Helen Dickens and Japanese American illustrator Hashime Murayama, and the group of women committed to cancer prevention. The film showcases the hurdles they faced, including racism and sexism. The Pap smear has contributed to a more than 70 percent decrease in cervical cancer incidence in the United States since the 1950s. 'The Cancer Detectives' premieres on PBS stations on March 26 at 9 p.m. Eastern time and will stream on PBS.org. [f3825293]
LSU Health New Orleans has been issued a patent for a noninvasive test called NECDetect that aids in early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal condition in premature infants. The diagnostic scoring system was invented by Sunyoung Kim, PhD, professor of genetics at LSU Health New Orleans' School of Medicine. Currently, X-rays are used to diagnose advanced NEC, but the test sensitivity can be as low as 44%. However, the NECDetect biomarker panel performed on stool samples can identify 93% true positives and 95% true negatives, doubling the accuracy of diagnosis. The development of NECDetect was fast-tracked with a Breakthrough Device Designation by the FDA. LSU Health New Orleans has granted an exclusive license for the technology to Chosen Diagnostics Inc, a spinout company founded by Dr. Kim. NEC affects about 9,000 of the 480,000 infants born preterm each year in the US, and one-third of infants with NEC die from the disease. The patent is part of a portfolio of patent and patent applications held by Chosen Diagnostics Inc, which has received Small Business Innovation Research grants from the NIH and NSF. [350cdc5b]
A new charity campaign by Prost8 aims to challenge the myth that prostate checks can only be done via a finger in the rectum. The campaign features a series of eye-catching posters that highlight that often a simple blood test is all that is needed. The photographs for the campaign were shot by Sophie Harris-Taylor. The ads are currently running OOH across London. The campaign was created by TBWA\MCR and has the goal of raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging men to get tested. [49adb280]