A remarkable new device promises to make cancer detection cheaper, faster, and more accessible than ever before.
As explained in an article in the next issue, lab on chipresearchers at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) announced they have developed a system that can detect cancer markers in the blood with higher responsiveness than current diagnostic methods.
The new testing platform, known as a paper-in-polymer pond (PiPP) device, combines a paper and plastic framework similar to that used in coffee filters.
PiPP uses a drop of blood from a patient to target two cancer markers: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is associated with colorectal cancer, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which indicates prostate cancer .
CEA and PSA have historically been difficult to detect because they appear in the blood during the early stages of cancer. However, the new device can capture these markers at lower concentrations, making it about 10 times more sensitive than commercially available test kits.
“The low cost (just a few dollars) and high sensitivity of our new biochip device will make accurate disease diagnosis accessible to everyone, rich or poor,” said lead author and UTEP Chemistry Professor. and XiuJun (James) Li, professor of biochemistry. stated in a statement.
“It's portable, it's quick, and it doesn't require any specialized equipment,” Lee added.
This promising development amazing new research This suggests that Gen X and Millennial Americans are at higher risk of developing 17 types of cancer than older generations.
Colorectal cancer, which can be detected in its early stages by PiPP devices, is steadily increasing among adults under 50 years of age. since the 90s. Young adults who develop colon cancer tend to be diagnosed at later stages of severe disease and have more aggressive tumors, but PiPP's promise of early detection could represent a life-saving intervention. There is sex.
Prostate cancer similarly fuels the current cancer epidemic, accounting for 10% of new diagnoses in the United States. Occurs in men under 55.
Deaths from prostate cancer are expected to increase by 136% worldwide from 2022 to 2050. As with all cancers, early detection is key and the new PiPP device could be a game changer.
This device also provides early diagnosis as well as rapid results. While traditional tests require 16 hours, PiPP provides results in just one hour, which can be read on a smartphone.
Researchers found that developing countries often lack cancer screening methods and access to resources such as testing equipment and providers, limitations that make early detection difficult and increase mortality rates. He points out.
However, PiPP devices are affordable, reusable, and user-friendly, helping to level the playing field for early diagnosis.
UTEP College of Science Dean Robert Kirken said the innovation “significantly improves point-of-care diagnosis by reducing detection time and the need for expensive equipment.”
“This makes it ideal for resource-limited settings, improving early diagnosis and improving cancer outcomes. We look forward to seeing what this innovation brings to the table,” he added. .
Although the potential is promising, it could be several years before PiPP devices become commercially available.
The prototype will be tested for efficacy and safety through clinical trials and will require approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before it can finally be made available to healthcare providers.
