According to SciTechDaily, this cancer testing method utilizes ultra-thin membranes to capture exosomes.
Cells release billions of exosomes into the blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids. These exosomes carry important information, including proteins and genetic material from their parent cells, providing insights into the current state of the body, and particularly aiding in early cancer detection.
A Fast and Cost-Effective Cancer Testing Method
Scientists recognize the significant potential of exosomes in diagnosis and treatment but face challenges in developing rapid and cost-effective methods.
Researchers have developed ultra-thin membranes with perfectly sized holes to capture and display exosomes – (Photo: University of Rochester/Erik Patak).
In a study published in the journal Small, researchers at the University of Rochester introduced a new method that utilizes ultra-thin membranes to easily identify exosomes in rapid liquid biopsy tests.
This method is known as “Catch and Display for Liquid Biopsy” (CAD-LB), promising rapid and affordable cancer diagnostics, as well as assessing the progress of treatment.
“By searching for exosomes and the biomarkers they carry in blood samples or other bodily fluids, you can find critical clues indicating that something is wrong in the body,” said James McGrath, a professor of biomedical engineering and the lead researcher.
“This idea has been around for a long time, but previously it required many refinement steps to separate exosomes from other components of biological fluids. CAD-LB is much simpler and faster, offering clinical application potential that more complex methods do not.”
The research team developed ultra-thin membranes with hole sizes specifically designed to trap exosomes.
After collecting blood samples, the samples are quickly processed, applied to the membrane using a micropipette, and analyzed directly under a microscope.
By counting the number of glowing holes with biomarkers for the disease being evaluated, users can quickly estimate the prevalence of the disease in the body.
Detecting Immune-Regulating Proteins and Customizing Treatment
In addition to presenting the CAD-LB method, the study also demonstrated its capability in identifying critical immune-regulating proteins on exosomes.
These proteins play a vital role in helping the body combat tumors and can predict patients’ responses to immunotherapy.
“CAD-LB is now sensitive enough to detect certain types of cancer at treatable stages, showcasing the potential of this technology in cancer screening,” co-author Jonathan Flax, an assistant research professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, stated.
“This method can also be used to predict the appropriate immunotherapy choices for each patient, targeting treatment and eliminating cancer cells.”
