Scientists have unveiled a novel method for detecting brain cancer that is both faster and less invasive than traditional surgical biopsies. This innovative blood test, known as a ‘liquid biopsy,’ can detect glioblastoma, the deadliest and most common type of brain tumour, using just 100 microfibers of blood.
The breakthrough was achieved by a US and Australian team, led by scientists from the University of Notre Dame in the US.
The liquid biopsy method boasts remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, it can identify biomarkers associated with glioblastoma with exceptional accuracy. The test relies on detecting mutated epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), which are prevalent in cancerous cells.
ROLE OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
EGFRs are found in extracellular vesicles, tiny nanoparticles secreted by cells. These vesicles, significantly larger than individual molecules, carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material from their original cells. The new test leverages these vesicles to pinpoint cancer biomarkers.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION BEHIND THE TEST
Biochip Technology
Researchers used a highly sensitive biochip to conduct the tests. This biochip, costing less than $2, features a tiny sensor designed to detect EGFRs within blood plasma samples. The biochip’s interface contains antibodies that bind specifically to exosomes carrying mutated EGFRs.
High Sensitivity and Accuracy
When EGFRs attach to the biochip, a voltage change occurs in the plasma solution, resulting in a high negative charge indicative of potential cancer. The biochip has demonstrated excellent accuracy in clinical trials, distinguishing cancer biomarkers with a very low p-value, signifying high reproducibility.
CLINICAL TESTING AND IMPLICATIONS
Experimental Results
In trials involving blood samples from 20 glioblastoma patients and 10 healthy individuals, the biochip successfully detected cancer biomarkers with impressive precision. The technology can identify and quantify exosome concentrations as low as 0.01 percent, showcasing its sensitivity.
Potential Beyond Brain Cancer
The breakthrough could have significant implications for cancer research and disease monitoring beyond brain cancer. However, there are limitations. Mutated EGFRs are associated with various cancers, not just glioblastoma, which means the test may not exclusively diagnose brain tumours.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND CHALLENGES
While the new test represents a significant advancement, it is not yet capable of diagnosing all cases of glioblastoma or specifying the type and stage of cancer. Researchers need to expand their studies to larger patient cohorts to refine the test’s accuracy and develop specific profiles for different cancers.
The team plans to scale up their diagnostic platform for broader testing. By analyzing more extensive blood samples, they aim to establish distinct biomarkers for various cancers and improve diagnostic specificity.
