Detecting Cancer with Sound Waves

Context:

An associate professor at the University of Alberta, led a study on the new ultrasound technique for cancer detection.

More on News:

• Traditionally, biopsies involve extracting tissue from suspected cancerous areas using a needle, a process that can be painful and carries risks.
• Scientists aim to mitigate these issues by employing ultrasound to harvest biomarkers directly from the bloodstream.
• “Ultrasound can enhance the levels of these genetic and vesicle biomarkers in blood samples by over 100 times,” allowing for more efficient cancer detection.

The Science Behind the Technique:

• The new technique utilises high-energy ultrasound to convert a small portion of cancerous tissue into droplets, which are then released into the bloodstream. 
• These droplets contain valuable biomarkers—molecules such as RNA, DNA, and proteins—that can be analysed to identify specific types of cancer. 
• This method marks a significant advancement over conventional imaging techniques, which primarily provide pictures of internal organs but do not facilitate direct testing for cancer.
• Estimates that this technique could help clinicians avoid nearly 50% of all biopsies.

Promising Results:

• One of the most remarkable aspects of this research is its ability to detect a single cancer cell circulating in the blood. 
• Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, making early detection vital for effective treatment. 
• Traditional methods for detecting these circulating tumour cells are often expensive and complex.
• For example, the ‘CellSearch’ test costs around $10,000. In contrast, this new method could reduce this cost to approximately $100.
• By passing ultrasound waves through blood samples from prostate cancer patients, the team was able to release biomarkers from the cancer cells into the blood, confirming their presence and indicating a successful detection.

Implications:

• Researchers are exploring the application of this technique for other cancers, particularly breast cancer and melanoma.

• The researchers emphasise the importance of conducting large cohort studies to validate the technique across different cancer types and patient demographics.

Future Prospects:

• The U.S. National Cancer Institute is launching a Cancer Screening Research Network with a pilot study set for 2025 involving 24,000 participants to evaluate various screening tests.
• Expected to conclude in four years, with potential future support for other innovative screening methods, including the ultrasound technique.
• If clinical trials yield favourable results, the ultrasound-based technique could be commercially available within about five years after seeking regulatory approval.

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