The imminent future of cancer diagnostics
The cancer diagnosis is in a state of upheaval. Soon to be recognized on the basis of a simple blood test, whether someone has a tumor, and if so, what. This is made possible by the identification of the genetic modifications, which brings each of the cancer disease. The proceedings of the priority research, called the Liquid Biopsy. The first patients have already been able to benefit from the promising diagnostics.
The University medical center Freiburg is currently pressing ahead with several projects, the diagnosis of cancer samples on the basis of blood to the wide use. On the basis of the new Liquid Biopsy-diagnosis can not be detected, the researchers reported, only whether and which cancer is present, the blood test also gives information about whether the cancer will respond to a therapy and whether it changes over time. The methodology is for use in lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, brain tumors, pancreatic cancer and sarcomas suitable.
New diagnosis as soon as possible available
“The cancer determination on the basis of simple blood samples for the precision of therapy is essential,” says Professor Dr. Dieter Marmé, in a press release of the new cancer diagnostics. The researchers of this key want to make technology in cancer medicine as soon as possible for all patients to access.
For diagnosis and for therapy control
“We want to bring Liquid-Biopsy and in the diagnosis and therapy monitoring in different cancer types to establish,” adds Professor Dr. Christoph Peters, who is Scientific Director of the tumor center Freiburg, Germany.
How does the new method?
The research team explains that malignant tumors single tumor make cells and parts of your Erbmoleküle (DNA, RNA) in the blood. These molecules are for each cancer and each individual patient, resulting in a genetic signature is apparent, which may change in the course of a cancer disease. Through the blood test this signature could be identified and evaluated. “Using close Liquid-Biopsy-controls the therapy can be adjusted as soon as a change in Tumor appearance the genome,” says Professor Peters.
The first successes in patients with lung cancer
The Team reported the first results of the new method. According to Doctors, the Patient, Reinhard K. came in for a persistent cough to see a doctor. By classical methods, the diagnosis was made. Reinhard K. suffered from lung cancer and metastases had already spread in the brain and in the bones. Immediately, the Doctors began with radiation therapy, without success.
Desperate Reinhard K. turned to the University hospital of Freiburg, where the new Liquid Biopsy-investigation of blood already in the framework of a study is applied. The researchers studied the blood of Reinhard K. with the new diagnostic method and discover tumor cells with a genetic mutation that was noticed in the tissue sample. The Doctors adapted the therapy to this genetic peculiarity. In addition, controls showed that the treatment hit, and the tumor cells were less.
More safety and success control
“In the course of therapy early information will give the patients a lot of security,” to emphasize the Freiburg Doctors. Also in the long term, the cancer could be kept in check, and the therapy can be optimally adjusted.
Solely funded by donations
As the researchers report, is financed by the research of the new diagnosis solely on donations. The research in tumor biology, recently supported the project with 1.5 million euros. The website of the development company research tumor biology contains all the information about ways to donate. (vb)