According to a study, a newly developed device can now detect and analyse cancer cells from blood samples, eliminating the need for people to go through invasive biopsy surgeries. this device is developed by researchers from the University of Technology. They also claim that it will also help the doctors to monitor the treatment process.As per United States National Institute of Health (NIH) the estimated number of cases of Cancer in India in year 2022 was found to be more than 14 lakhs approximately. One in nine people is likely to get cancer in their lifetime.Existing techniques to diagnose cancerCurrently cancer can be diagnosed in three ways: imaging tests, biopsy and laboratory tests. The person who is suspected to have cancer, they often require surgery for a definitive diagnosis. the laboratory tests to diagnose cancer can detect the level of certain substances in the body, which could be a sign of cancer. the test of blood, urine and other body fluids measure these substances. However, abnormal tests do not necessarily indicate cancer. in some case, a normal test reports can come of they have cancer. Therefore, biopsies and imaging tests are also conducted to ensure an accurate diagnosis.Procedures to detect cancerBiopsy is a procedure in which a sample of abnormal tissue is removed, examined under microscope and tested thereafter. Biopsy are mostly invasive, because they are conducted using a needle and endoscopic surgeries. A biopsy can cause discomfort t the patients, and can lead an increased risk of complications due to surgery. Moreover, they are very expensive procedures.Imaging tests used to diagnose cancer intend to check whether a tumour is present or not. The techniques included in this, are computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear scan, which issues radioactive material to capture the body from inside, bone scan, which is a type of nuclear scan specifically used to check for abnormal areas in the bones, ultrasound and x-rays.Different types of laboratory tests are also done which includes blood chemistry tests, which measure the number of metabolites, fats, sugar, electrolytes and proteins and give an information that how a particular organ is working.What is the new device calledThe new device is called the Static Droplet Microfludic device, which can rapidly detect circulating tumour cells that have broken away from a primary tumour and entered the blood. This device differentiates tumour cells from normal blood cells using a unique metabolic signature of cancer.According to Prof. Warkiani, A single tumour cell can be hidden amid the billions of blood cells in just one millilitre of blood, making it incredibly challenging to locate.The number of metabolically active tumour cells may be isolated and classified using 38,400 chambers in the new detection method, according to him.“The new detection technology has 38,400 chambers capable of isolating and classifying the number of metabolically active tumour cells,” he said.Once the tumour cells have been identified by the device, they can go through genetic and molecular analysis, which can aid in the diagnosis and categorization of cancer as well as the creation of individualised treatment regimens.Circulating tumour cells are also progenitors of metastasis, the process by which cancer spreads to other organs and accounts for 90 percent of all cancer-related fatalities.The Static Droplet Microfluidic allows clinicians to diagnose and monitor cancer patients quickly and affordably because it doesnt rely on expensive equipment and skilled personnel.For the Static Droplet Microfluidic device, the UTS research team has applied for a provisional patent with the intention of commercialising the invention.Anesthesia during biopsiesAnesthesia or a sedative may be necessary for some biopsies. The use of sedatives during a biopsy helps you unwind and maintain extreme stillness or sleep. Pain is suppressed by anesthesia. It alludes to medications or other chemicals that make you feel or become unaware.
