Rapid detection of cancer with test strips

US researchers announced on February 24 that it has made a breakthrough when developing a simple, inexpensive cancer detection method that can produce results within minutes of testing with a test stick by paper.

The research results published in the journal Proceedings of the American Academy of Sciences show that the diagnostic method based on this urine sample has the same mechanism of operation as a pregnancy test.

According to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this method involves using signal amplification technology from difficult-to-detect cancer proteins by injecting a particularly small particle into a human body. need diagnosis.

Cancer test strips with paper.(Photo: technologyreview.com)

These tiny particles covered with peptides (containing linked amino acids) can interact with cancer proteins called proteases (enzymes that function to destroy proteins through hydrolysis).

In the patient's body, these particles congregate in the tumor, where the protease separates the peptide - the biomarkers - from the particles, the peptides are then taken to the kidney and excreted in the urine.

These biomarkers can then easily be detected using similar technology to pregnancy testing technology. Scientists say it is possible to accurately identify colon tumors, as well as blood clots in mouse tests.

With this method, the patient will first be injected with particles, then urinate into a paper test strip. However, to make the test more convenient, researchers are looking for a seed that can be implanted under the skin for long-term monitoring.

Sangeeta Bhatia, MIT lecturer and lead author of the study, claims that these tests are the first step towards a useful diagnostic method for humans in the near future.

Ms Bhatia said to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, the researchers will experiment with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. First of all, this technology is likely to be applied to high-risk groups, such as those with cancer or a family member with the disease.

Indian-born scientist expressed hope that this method will be used to detect early cancer in developing countries, where the incidence has increased sharply in recent years.