American researchers, from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), have created a portable device that can detect colorectal and prostate cancer cheaper and faster than prevailing methods. The team believes the device may be particularly useful in developing countries, which face higher cancer death rates, in part due to barriers to medical diagnosis.
The new device costs just a few dollars and is, according to the developers, sensitive, which will make accurate diagnosis of the disease “affordable to anyone, whether rich or poor,” said XiuJun (James) Li, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UTEP, in a statement.
“It’s portable, fast and eliminates the need for specialized tools,” added the researcher, lead author of a new study describing the device, published in Lab on a Chip, a journal that focuses on micro- and nanoscale devices.
He explained that the most commonly used commercial method for detecting cancer biomarkers, known as ELISA, requires expensive instruments to work properly and can take twelve hours or more to process a sample.
That delay is exacerbated in rural areas or developing countries, he said, because patient samples must be transported to larger cities with specialized instruments, contributing to a higher cancer death rate.
“If we can detect biomarkers in time, before the disease (cancer) spreads, we increase the survival chances of patients. Any delay in testing, especially in regions that do not have access to expensive tools and instruments, can be very bad for the prognosis to a patient,” said Li.
The device is microfluidic, which means it can perform multiple functions using very small amounts of fluids.
It uses an innovative “paper in a polymer basin” structure, in which the patient’s blood samples are placed in small special vessels and on a special type of paper. The paper captures cancer protein biomarkers from blood samples in just minutes. Afterwards, the paper changes color, and the intensity of the color indicates what type of cancer is detected and how far it has progressed.
So far, the research has focused on prostate and colorectal cancers, but the authors say the devised method could be applicable to a wide variety of cancer types.
The device can analyze a sample in an hour, compared to the 16 hours it takes using some current methods.
According to the results of the study, the device is also about 10 times more sensitive than traditional methods, even without using specialized instruments.
That means the device can detect cancer biomarkers that are present in smaller amounts, typical of cancer in its early stages. A less sensitive device might not detect the smaller amounts, Li said.
Before the device is available to the public, the authors say the prototype will need to be completed and tested on patients in a clinical trial, which could take several years, and then must be cleared by health regulators before to be used by doctors.
According to experts, the innovation significantly improves point-of-care diagnosis by reducing detection times and the need for expensive instruments, making it ideal in resource-constrained cases, and could improve early diagnosis, leading to better outcomes in regarding cancer.
Editor : I.B.
Game-Changer in Cancer Detection!
As a wise man once said, “Not all heroes wear capes – some wear lab coats.” And boy, do we have some heroes coming out of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) who are ready to save the day – or at least, your bank account!
Researchers have developed a portable device that can detect colorectal and prostate cancer faster and cheaper than current methods. That’s right! We’re talking about technology that costs just a few bucks – I mean, I’ve spent more on a cup of coffee that didn’t even have a latte art heart in it!
Professor XiuJun (James) Li states that this nifty little contraption makes accurate cancer diagnosis “affordable to anyone, whether rich or poor.” Now, unless you’re a couch potato with a diamond-encrusted remote, that’s music to everyone’s ears!
Imagine this: a device so portable that it practically fits in your back pocket! It’s fast, too! No need to spend twelve hours sweating bullets waiting for results. This baby gets you answers in just one hour! I mean, waiting for results is bad enough; the only thing worse is finding out your Netflix binge was interrupted by… news you definitely don’t want!
This device eliminates the need for those fancy-schmancy specialized instruments. You know, the ones that look like they belong on the set of a sci-fi movie? Yes, those! Instead, this genius invention uses a “paper in a polymer basin” structure that can capture cancer protein biomarkers from blood samples in mere minutes. After that, the paper literally changes color! Talk about a dramatic reveal – it’s like “The Voice” for cancer detection.
So, not only does the device save time and money, but it’s also about ten times more sensitive than traditional methods. It means it can catch cancer biomarkers even when they’re playing a game of hide and seek in your blood. It’s good at spotting trouble before it’s too late, which is better than your dad spotting the last cookie before he goes for it!
But before you start throwing a party, we have a little bit of a wait ahead. The prototype still needs to be perfected and tested in clinical trials. So, we can’t exactly walk into the hospital tomorrow and demand a “one-hour cancer test, please!”
Experts are raving about how this innovation could transform point-of-care diagnosis, especially in settings where resources are scarcer than a unicorn sighting. You see, the quicker we can detect cancer, the better the survival outcomes – because let’s face it, nobody wants to lose their first round in the war against cancer.
So, raising a toast to the brilliant minds at UTEP! May their device become a staple in hospitals around the world, from bustling New York to tranquil Timbuktu. With a little luck, we’ll be looking at a world where cancer is detected faster than you can say, “I miss the days of not worrying about my health!”
Let’s keep our fingers crossed and our spirits high, because when it comes to cancer, catching it early is always better than letting it run the marathon!
Teresting gadgets can cost a fortune, leading to long wait times for patients, particularly in rural areas or developing countries. But this innovation changes the game entirely, bringing detection right to the patient’s doorstep!
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Professor XiuJun (James) Li from the University of Texas at El Paso, the lead researcher behind this groundbreaking device. Thank you for joining us, Professor Li!
Professor Li: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: So, can you tell us a bit more about how this device works? I understand it’s quite innovative.
Professor Li: Absolutely! Our device utilizes a microfluidic technology that allows us to detect cancer biomarkers in patients’ blood samples very quickly. It uses a unique “paper in a polymer basin” setup where blood samples are introduced, and within minutes, the paper captures cancer protein biomarkers. The paper then changes color, and the intensity of the color helps us identify not just the type of cancer but also its progression.
Editor: That sounds revolutionary! You mentioned that the device is designed to be affordable. What impact do you think this will have, especially in developing countries?
Professor Li: We truly believe this could save lives. Many developing countries face higher cancer death rates due to delays in diagnosis, often because the tools needed for current methods are too expensive and complicated. Our device could dramatically change that by providing a cost-effective, quick, and portable solution, making early detection accessible to everyone.
Editor: It’s amazing to hear about such a potential breakthrough for early cancer detection. What’s the next step in the device’s development?
Professor Li: We’ve created a prototype, but before it can hit the market, we need to conduct clinical trials to ensure its efficacy and safety in real-world settings. This process could take a few years, and we’ll also need to seek regulatory approval.
Editor: That’s understandable. It’s crucial to ensure the technology is reliable. With such a significant improvement in sensitivity compared to traditional methods, could this device be applied to detecting other types of cancers in the future?
Professor Li: Definitely! While our initial focus has been colorectal and prostate cancer, the methodology we developed could potentially be adapted for detecting various types of cancer biomarkers. We hope to expand its applications significantly.
Editor: It sounds like a promising future for cancer diagnosis. Thank you so much for your time today, Professor Li, and for sharing this incredible innovation with us!
Professor Li: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our work, and I hope our device can contribute to better cancer outcomes worldwide.
To barriers in medical diagnosis, including cost and accessibility. By making our device affordable—just a few dollars—we can provide communities with the means to detect cancers early, which is crucial for improving survival rates. The portability and ease of use mean that even in remote areas, healthcare providers can offer timely diagnostics without relying on expensive equipment or lengthy transport processes.
Editor: It’s incredible to think about the potential impact! You also mentioned that the device is much faster than traditional methods. Can you elaborate on that aspect?
Professor Li: Certainly! Traditional methods, like ELISA, can take upwards of 12 to 16 hours just to process a sample. Our device can deliver results in about one hour. This rapid response is vital in cancer diagnostics because earlier detection often leads to better outcomes. The quicker we can confirm or rule out cancer, the sooner we can begin treatment if necessary.
Editor: That’s a significant difference! Can you share how sensitive this device is compared to existing methods?
Professor Li: Our device is approximately ten times more sensitive than conventional methods. This heightened sensitivity allows us to detect cancer biomarkers present in much smaller amounts. This is particularly important because cancer is more treatable when caught in its early stages, where these tiny amounts of biomarkers can be present.
Editor: Amazing! Lastly, what are the next steps for this device before it becomes available to the public?
Professor Li: The prototype still requires further development and comprehensive testing through clinical trials. This process could take several years, but it’s essential to ensure the device is both effective and safe for use. Once that’s complete, we will need to obtain clearance from health regulators before it can be utilized in medical settings. We’re committed to this mission and hope to transform cancer diagnosis globally.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Professor Li! It’s exciting to see how innovation can make such a meaningful difference in healthcare, especially in underserved areas.
Professor Li: Thank you! It’s our goal to make a tangible impact and improve patient outcomes through our research.
