US researchers appear to have made a significant breakthrough in the detection of cancer which may well put an end to painful biopsies. Using a system which separates potential cancer proteins in blood, scientists have found a way to attach antibodies to these potential cancerous proteins and monitor their state and volumes.
The system which is being developed can currently detect signs of blood cancer using 1 trillionth of a gram of protein in a drop of blood. While the system has not yet been expanded to take into account other forms of non-blood cancer there are hopes this will follow in the short to medium term. The system has also seen progress in the monitoring of cancer conditions and how potential treatments work.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different types of cancer, many of which can be terminal, but many of which can be treated. The earlier cancer can be detected the earlier the treatment can be introduced and the higher the levels of recovery. Scientists are currently testing the technique on head and neck tumours and hope to expand the research programme to other types of cancer. This could be a truly breathtaking discovery if it can be replicated to detect all types of cancer. |
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