New device can detect cancer or any disease in 10
minutes: UK scientist
A UK scientist claims to have developed a cheap, hand-held
device that detects almost any disease such as TB, malaria, HIV infection or
cancer in just 10 minutes.
The Q-POC machine, costing 500 pounds, can micro-analyse
tumours and the genetic signatures of the disease before advising on the best
type of drugs to use.
Using his garage in Uckfield, East Sussex, as a makeshift
laboratory, 37-year-old Jonathan O'Halloran hit on the ground-breaking idea of
releasing DNA within a barely visible sample and making multiple copies to
allow an accurate diagnosis, whether cancer mutations exist and which oncology
drugs will work best.
The device is undergoing rigorous clinical trials and be
used across the National Health Service (NHS) as early as next year, the 'Daily
Express' reported.
The first prototypes are in advanced trials and experts say
they have the potential to prolong the lives of newly-diagnosed cancer
sufferers and save the lives of millions with infectious diseases.
"We are using the device to extract, amplify and
analyse DNA from tumours or other samples to make sure the patient gets a
personalised service as soon as possible," said O'Halloran.
"We see this working alongside histopathologists and
clinical oncologists to provide the missing link – a personalised service for
cancer sufferers.
"It will also provide rapid diagnosis for TB, malaria,
HIV and STIs, giving doctors key information on which drugs will treat the
disease. The idea now is to make these devices available to doctors and health
professionals," he said.
The invention is being developed by British company
QuantuMDx Group in partnership with Newcastle University.
Source: www.indianexpress.com
28.05.2013
Scientists develop urine-based test to detect breast
cancer
Scientists have developed a new
urine-based screening method to diagnose breast cancer and determine its
severity even before it can be detected with a mammogram.
A Missouri University of Science and Technology researcher
used a device called a P-scan, to detect the concentration of certain metabolites
called pteredines in urine samples.
These biomarkers are present in the urine of all human
beings, but abnormally high concentrations can signal the presence of cancer. Dr Yinfa Ma, Curators' Teaching Professor of
chemistry at Missouri S&T, believes the levels continue to rise as the
cancer advances. Ma has had good results
in limited testing and is now expanding testing in a larger study to prove that
the technique works.
This study is part of the validation process required by the
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to eventually make the P-Scan available
in clinics across the country as an inexpensive, non-invasive test that could
be used during routine physical examinations. In April, Ma began a clinical trial with Mercy
Breast Center and commercialisation partner Emergence BioScreening of St Louis.
The study focuses on 300 breast cancer patients and a
control group of 100 individuals who have been clinically tested and found to
be free of cancer. He hopes to conclude the study within a year. This is a
blind study, which means that Ma doesn't know which samples he tests are those
of cancer patients and which are from healthy individuals. Using the P-scan, Ma
will can detect the presence of cancer and its level of advancement - often
before it could be detected on a mammogram.
"Mammogram technology is not sensitive. Some early
cancer cannot be detected by a mammogram. If this P-Scan technology works, it
will be much easier to incorporate into regular physical screening," Ma
said.
"A patient donates urine and 10 minutes later I have a
result. If this works, it will be an amazing diagnostic tool," Ma added. The P-scan works by using a capillary to pass
a small sample of urine into the device, separate different pteredine molecules
and then pass the sample through a light source. The researchers then use a spectrophotometer
to identify and measure the pteredines in the sample. Pteredines are normal metabolites that are
present in the urine of all human beings. But when cancer is present, the levels
rise.
Source: www.indianexpress.com
28.05.2013
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