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"The result was a total surprise and a chance discovery." Matt Trau, a researcher at the University of Queensland, Australia, summarizes the work presented this week in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The laboratory, specializing in nanotechnology and molecular diagnostics, produced DNA sequences from tumor samples when two researchers discovered a pattern that appears to be common in the bad, prostate, colorectal and lymphoma. From there, they thought about the use of nanotechnology to develop a test that could detect this molecular signature from a blood test, and they created a device that gives a positive or negative result in 10 minutes. Confirming the validity of other types of cancer and a larger number of people could be the first universal diagnostic test to detect the disease.
The work has been developed over the past four years. Given this pattern, the researchers found that the molecules in question, once placed in a solution, adhered to the gold particles. Based on this phenomenon, they designed a test that allows gold particles to change color in the presence of these carcinogenic DNA structures. This is the basis of the test, which could be portable. Basically, as pregnancy test or blood glucose control, in this case, not from the urine but from a blood sample
For the moment however, Matt Trau explained at the time that there were still many things that we do not know. Although they believe that the device they've developed will be sensitive to 90% of the tumors, the investigator said the test did not allow you to know what type of tumor was or was what stage. Nor can they tell when this molecular signature is detectable, which will make all the difference.
Anticipating on the diagnosis of cancers now detected in later states such as the pancreas or lung could bring benefits, but Trau says that it remains a dream for the team. "The next step is to develop additional tests in larger populations and several types of cancer," said the researcher. In terms of cost, although it is based on a genetic basis, the fact that it is not necessary to sequence the DNA could make it a more accessible device. To the point that one day could prove to be a routine test, admits Trau. "Although it does not need to be done in the laboratory, it could perhaps be done by the doctor's office."
The Benefits Must Be Demonstrated Nuno Miranda, director of the National Oncology Program, explains that fluid biopsies, which seek to characterize cancer from patients' blood cultures without requiring invasive test, have had new applications in the last three to four years, but are already in an embryonic stage in clinical. The potential lies mainly in the differentiation of less accessible tumors, for example the lung, helping doctors to define the most appropriate approach.
In a few years, Miranda admits that some of these technologies could be used to screen at-risk populations, such as smokers. With regard to a routine universal test, you have more doubts. "Cancer is a very diverse disease, and in the end, with 20 or 30 markers, we can cover 75% of the tumors, the most common, but it will always be complex."
In addition, capital gains do not should not be considered in a linear way, explains the doctor. While in some cases it is advantageous to anticipate the diagnosis, in others the risk of intervening too much or too early can lead to unnecessary and unhealthy treatments. Nuno Miranda cites as an example prostate tumors for a few years in case of surgical overuse or the case of pediatric cancer – neuroblastoma – in which researchers have already realized that early detection of children does not decrease the number of cancers detected in stages. more advanced. "Apparently, anticipating the diagnosis of cancer is positive, but that is not enough in itself to make decisions, it is necessary to demonstrate the gains", concludes the doctor
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