Diagnosis of early stage cancer by ... water molecules

Eurekalert, an electronic science magazine, reported that scientists have found a way to diagnose the first stage thanks to water molecules.

Thanks to the method of monitoring the evolution of Tn molecule, it is possible to assess the level of cancer development

Experts from the Basque University have studied two types of Tn antigens, occurring in 90% of cancer cases and are a promising biomarker for the detection of affected tissues.

It is known that, when interacting with water, both Tn antigens are involved in a very specific reaction. The first form of antigen, linked to threonine, turns into a hard form in solution. The second antigenic form associated with serine becomes softer. In the view of scientists, thanks to the method of monitoring the evolution of Tn molecule, it is possible to assess the level of cancer development.

In addition, the researchers plan to develop an anti-cancer therapy by developing a synthetic substitute of Tn antigens.