Scientists have created a novel method for detecting brain cancer that is faster and less invasive than typical surgical biopsies. The newly developed ‘liquid biopsy’ uses only 100 microlitres of blood and can detect biomarkers associated with glioblastoma-the most prevalent and lethal type of brain tumour-in just one hour.

The test, which is more accurate than any known approach for detecting glioblastoma, is described by its researchers as having “near turn-key functionality.” A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame in the United States collaborated with Australian scientists to develop the new approach. While still in its early stages, this proof of concept marks a huge step forward in brain cancer diagnosis.

According to a release by University Of Notre Dam, the average glioblastoma patient survives 12-18 months after diagnosis. The crux of the diagnostic is a biochip that uses electrokinetic technology to detect biomarkers, or active Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFRs), which are overexpressed in certain cancers such as glioblastoma and found in extracellular vesicles.

“Extracellular vesicles or exosomes are unique nanoparticles secreted by cells. They are big – 10 to 50 times bigger than a molecule – and they have a weak charge. Our technology was specifically designed for these nanoparticles, using their features to our advantage,” said Hsueh-Chia Chang, the Bayer Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame and lead author of the study about the diagnostic published in Communications Biology.

The challenge for researchers was two-fold: to develop a process that could distinguish between active and non-active EGFRs, and create a diagnostic technology that was sensitive yet selective in detecting active EGFRs on extracellular vesicles from blood samples.

Image used for representational purpose only.
| Photo Credit: AP

When Herve found out he had glioblastoma — the most aggressive form of brain cancer — at the age of 40, he made a deal with himself.

“I said to myself: it is serious, but you are at war — and you’re going to win,” the French teacher, who did not want to give his surname, said.

Eight years later, following surgery to remove the tumour, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Herve is still winning his war.

He is just one of the thousands of people across the world to have survived an extremely deadly cancer for which there is no known cure.

“We call them outliers,” said Nicolas Wolikow, the CEO and co-founder of the Paris-based firm Cure51.

“For unknown reasons, when these people face an illness they take a completely different trajectory from other people,” he said.

The start-up is working on creating “the first global clinical and molecular database of exceptional survivors” of cancer, according to its website.

So far, the firm has partnered with 50 cancer centres around the world to get data from a wider variety of survivors and found 1300 patients to be part of the project.

Once the data is collected “we will begin analysing medical reports, images, tumour cells,” Mr. Wolikow said.

The ultimate goal is to create new drugs or treatments that mimic the molecular characteristics of those few who do survive these killer cancers.