ULTRASOUND
FOR CANCER DETECTION : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NEWS
:
Scientists are working on a way to detect cancer with sound waves
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
Researchers at the University of Alberta have
developed a groundbreaking ultrasound technique that transforms cancerous
tissue into blood-circulating droplets, potentially replacing invasive
biopsies.This method allows for the detection of cancer biomarkers in blood
samples, promising a less painful diagnostic approach.
Using
Sound for Cancer Detection:
- Ultrasound Technology: High-energy ultrasound
waves break off small droplets of cancerous tissue from tumors, releasing
biomolecules into the bloodstream.
- Biomarker Identification: These droplets contain RNA,
DNA, and proteins that act as cancer biomarkers, helping detect specific
cancer types and mutations.
- Enhanced Detection: The technique increases
biomarker concentration in blood samples by over 100 times, improving
early cancer detection.
- Non-Invasive: A less painful,
non-invasive alternative to traditional biopsies.
Challenges:
- Low Sensitivity: Detecting circulating
cancer cells in the bloodstream is difficult due to their low numbers.
- Cost & Accessibility: Existing tests, like
CellSearch, are expensive, limiting accessibility.
- Need for Trials: Large-scale clinical trials
are necessary to ensure effectiveness across different cancer types and
populations.
Recent
Advancements:
- Single Cell Detection: Successfully detected a
single prostate cancer cell in blood samples using ultrasound.
- Cost-Effective: The new technique could
lower testing costs to around $100, making cancer detection more
affordable.
- Broader Applications: Research aims to expand the
technique to other cancers like breast cancer and melanoma.
Source
: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/cancer-biopsies-painful-ultrasound-waves-alternative/article68724135.ece#:~:text=Scientists%20have%20developed%20a%20new,identify%20particular%20types%20of%20cancer.