Cancer Detection by Laser
In the future, cancer can be detected without drawing blood from the patient but by shining a laser on surface veins (such as those on the wrist and inside the cheek) circulating tumor cells can be revealed and moreover counted.
Such is the new technology developed by researchers at Purdue University.
According to Philip Low, Purdue’s Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry:
“Circulating tumor cells provide a benchmark for disease progression and precise monitoring of their levels could lead to personalized treatment. This technique allows us to quantify the amount of circulating tumor cells present, as opposed to tests that provide a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ result.
Through such precise monitoring, a physician could evaluate the response to chemotherapy and regularly adjust the dosage so that only the exact amount needed would be administered. This could reduce the time a patient is treated and the serious side effects that occur.”
Besides, the whole procedure is not invasive at all!
The team is already planning clinical trials to further evaluate the procedure.
The technique uses a fluorescent tumor-specific probe that labels tumor cells in circulation. When hit by a laser, which scans across the diameter of the blood vessel 1,000 times per second, the tumor cells glow and become visible.
The in vivo flow detection was performed on a two-photon fluorescence microscope in Cheng’s lab. The researchers compared several methods and found two-photon fluorescence provides the best signal to background ratio. The technology is able to scan every cell that is pumped through the vessel.”
However, since the procedure has yet to undergo clinical trials, this cannot be used in clinical practice yet.
Find more details from Purdue University.
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