Synthetic Biomarkers Can Now Detect Tiny Tumors

Most cancers are diagnosed at late stages, which decreases the survival rate for most patients. However, if the cancer is detected at an earlier stage,survival rates can increase up to 90 percent. Engineers from MIT have developed more efficient ways to detect certain cancers, such as ovarian. In tests done on mice, they were able to detect 2 millimeter-sized tumors. This could translate to tumor detection five months earlier than possible with existing blood tests.

The new test consists of a synthetic biomarker- a nanoparticle that interacts with proteins to release fragments that can be detected in urine samples. This can provide a clearer signal than natural biomarkers in patient's bloodstream. This method also measures the activity of endoproteases, which are created by tumors to recruit blood vessels and invade tissue so the tumor can spread. In order to detect this sort of enzyme, the newly designed particles coated with small proteins can be cleaved by proteases called MMPs. After being injected, the particles collect at the tumor site. The MMPs cleave the peptides to free the reporter fragments, which are filtered by the kidney and concentrated in the urine.

Currently, doctors look for blood biomarkers produced by ovarian tumors, but these markers don't accumulate in great enough concentrations to be detected until the tumors are around 1 cm in diameter. Being able to detect tumors 5 months earlier could make a life changing difference for some patients.

Source:https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170410123940.htm