Polymer Device Brings Hopeful Future for Cancer Detection

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the body, forming malignant tumors and invading neighboring tissue. As the disease progresses, affected cells can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and spread to more distant parts of the body leaving permanent global marks on various tissues and providing little hope for recovery to the patient.

Although the chances of surviving the disease vary greatly depending on the type and location of cancer, timing of cancer identification and treatment is critical for all cancer types. Metastatic activity is relatively difficult to detect immediately, however, since the circulating tumor cell concentration can be exceptionally low (one in every billion blood cells). As a result, malignant cancer often remains unnoticed until considerable tissue damage has already been done.

Recent research led by scientists at the RIKEN Advanced Science Institute investigates a new method of monitoring metastatic activity using a polymer film loaded with antibodies that can capture free tumor cells. This device is constructed using a 2-centimeter-square glass base connected to a conducting polymer film of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) containing carboxylic acid groups. In the presence of specific voltages, tiny bumps or “nanodots” form in this material that alter the surface area of the film and facilitate its ability to capture specific cells. Additionally, a chemical linker is added to the film that “allows it to bind a protein called streptavidin; this protein then joins to an antibody. In turn, the antibody could latch on to an antigen called epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), which is produced by most tumor cells” (ScienceDaily). Using this device, accurate cancer readings can be achieved from very small samples of blood.

Currently the effects of tailoring the film’s nanodot size and arrangement as well as antibody concentration are being examined to identify the optimal detection design. With further development, this device would not only make cancer diagnosis more convenient, but could also provide a more accurate means for doctors to assess treatment effectiveness and efficiency in the future.

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120224152751.htm