Researchers in Australia have developed a new device capable of detecting cancer cells from blood samples, helping patients avoid invasive biopsy surgeries.
Cancer is the leading cause of illness and death in Australia, with over 150,000 cases reported nationwide each year. Individuals suspected of having cancer, particularly liver, colon, or kidney cancer, often undergo surgery for a definitive diagnosis.
The new detection technology can isolate and classify the number of metabolically active tumor cells.
Professor Majid Warkiani from the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) stated that the conventional method for identifying cancer patients typically involves a biopsy (a procedure to take a small tissue sample from a part of the body), which can be uncomfortable for patients and may lead to surgical complications.
Moreover, he noted that managing and treating cancer through the assessment of tumor cells in blood samples is significantly better than tissue biopsies.
“It allows doctors to conduct repeated tests and monitor the patient’s response to treatment,” Professor Warkiani said.
As a result, UTS developed a device called “Static Droplet Microfluidic”. This device can quickly detect circulating tumor cells that have detached from the primary tumor and entered the bloodstream. Additionally, it uses unique metabolic markers of cancer to distinguish tumor cells from normal blood cells.
“The new detection technology has the ability to isolate and classify the number of metabolically active tumor cells,” Professor Warkiani explained.
Once the device identifies the tumor cells, they can be genetically and molecularly analyzed, aiding in the diagnosis, classification of cancer, and supporting the establishment of treatment plans.
Circulating tumor cells are also precursors to metastasis, where cancer spreads to other organs. This is responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths.
Professor Warkiani indicated that studying these cells could provide deep insights into the biology of cancer metastasis and lead to new treatment approaches.
The microfluidic technique is not dependent on advanced equipment or operators, enabling doctors to diagnose and monitor cancer patients quickly and cost-effectively.
