American researchers have developed a new method that can detect ovarian cancer early by analyzing urine samples using gold nanoparticles. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University explained that the method demonstrated promising results that pave the way for the development of a test to detect ovarian cancer. The results were presented on Saturday at the Biophysical Society conference in Philadelphia, United States.
When ovarian cancer occurs, cancer cells grow in the ovaries, multiply rapidly, and can invade and destroy healthy body tissues.
Ovarian cancer can be treated successfully if detected early, and with appropriate treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, many women can live long, healthy lives. However, ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages because of its common symptoms that can be attributed to other conditions, such as constipation and bloating. And back pain.
Furthermore, there are no routine screenings for ovarian cancer as there are for other types of cancer, such as breast or colon cancer.
Previous research has shown that there are thousands of small molecules, called peptides, in the urine of women with ovarian cancer. While it is possible to detect these molecules using existing techniques, these techniques are complex and not cost-effective.
So the research team sought a new approach to more easily detect these “peptides” in urine samples using gold nanoparticles.
The researchers used a technique called “nanopores,” which is a modern technique used to analyze “peptides” and other biological and chemical compounds at the level of individual molecules.
This technology relies on the use of very small nanopores in a solid material. The compound to be analyzed, which is the urine sample, is passed through these holes, and this leads to a change in the current of ions or the resulting electrical current. These changes are measured using sensitive electrical devices, which allows the characteristics of the passing compound to be determined, and thus its identity and analysis.
To harness this technology to detect “peptides” found in the urine of women with ovarian cancer, the researchers used gold nanoparticles that can partially block pores, so the “peptides” will then stick to the gold particles, making it easier for the team to easily identify them.
In their study, the researchers successfully identified 13 “peptides,” including those derived from a protein called “LRG-1,” a biomarker found in the urine of ovarian cancer patients. The researchers demonstrated that their new method is capable of identifying multiple peptides simultaneously.
Based on the study results, the researchers indicated that their ultimate goal is to develop a test that can improve the accuracy of detecting early-stage ovarian cancer in the future.
They added that clinical data shows a 50-75 percent improvement in 5-year survival when cancer is detected in its early stages.
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2024-02-12 16:04:12
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