Early detection of cancer cells

A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School in Boston (USA) has invented a silicon chip that can detect cancer cells early. Soon, this smart chip will replace the current diagnostic methods.

It is about the size of an ATM card capable of evaluating blood samples used for testing. The chip is highly capable of identifying even the smallest cancer cells.

To date, many people have cancer but have not been detected because degenerated cells have lurked in various blood cells that are difficult to identify.

Cancer cell (Photo: Bild)

A test of 116 blood samples from cancer patients has yielded unimaginable results, almost 100% of accurate findings: There are 115 cases where the chip has reported cancer cells exist. For people without cancer, the chip did not offer any response. In addition, the smart chip also helps control the amount of cancer cells in the blood during treatment - scientists say.

So what principle does this chip work? On its silicon surface is arranged 80,000 tiny ' antennae ' to interact with antibodies, it acts as a ' magnet ': Each cancer cell contains a protein content. determined, it will react in this magnetic environment.

The blood sample used for the test is applied to the surface including a multitude of these highly sensitive ' beards ', cancer cells will be 'captured' by them. Then a special camera will identify the degenerated cells. But the chip can only identify cancer cells without showing what cancer patients have.

Le Quan