A groundbreaking development is taking place at the University of Notre Dame, where researchers have created a swift and cost-effective blood test capable of diagnosing glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, within just one hour. This innovative device has the potential to significantly change the prognosis for patients, as glioblastoma typically allows for survival of only 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. The revolutionary aspect of this blood test lies not just in its speed but also in its accessibility, requiring only a minuscule blood sample of approximately 100 microliters.
The new diagnostic tool employs technology based on electrokinetics, using a tiny biochip to identify active Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFRs)—specific biomarkers known to be present at heightened levels in glioblastoma cases. Hsueh-Chia Chang, the Bayer Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame and the lead author of the related study, described the biochip as utilizing electricity to move charged particles within fluids, making it uniquely equipped to capture and detect tiny extracellular vesicles, or exosomes, which are produced by cells.
“Extracellular vesicles are unique nanoparticles secreted by cells; they are significantly larger than individual molecules, and our technology is tailor-made to leverage their features for enhanced detection,” said Chang. This approach could facilitate earlier detection of the malignancy when symptoms first manifest, potentially improving the chances of prolonged survival.
The biochip’s design enables it to distinguish between active and inactive EGFRs, which is key to its sensitivity. Satyajyoti Senapati, another researcher involved with the project, emphasized the advantages of their electrokinetic sensor, stating, “We can directly load blood without any pretreatment to isolate the extracellular vesicles because our sensor is not affected by other particles or molecules. It shows low noise levels, making it more sensitive for disease detection than other technologies.”
Unlike traditional diagnostic methods, which often require invasive biopsies involving removal of tissue samples for analysis, this new device can deliver results more efficiently and with less discomfort for patients.
Chang mentioned, “Our technique is not limited to glioblastoma — it was simply fitting to start with this cancer type due to its lethality and the void of early screening tests.” He expressed optimism about the possibilities this technology can offer, not only for glioblastoma but possibly for diagnosing other severe health conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and epilepsy. The researchers are also exploring the device’s application to other disorders and hope extensive adoption could lead to significant advancements in early disease detection.
The device comprises three main components: the automation interface, the portable testing machine, and the biochip, which needs to be replaced for each test. Each biochip is reportedly inexpensive to produce, costing less than $2. This affordability could drastically increase testing accessibility.
The blood samples used during the study were graciously provided by the Center for Research in Brain Cancer located at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia. The collaborative nature of this project included contributions from various notable institutions, showcasing the combined effort across academic borders.
The findings of this significant research were published recently in Communications Biology, adding to the growing portfolio of literature surrounding advanced cancer detection technologies. The potential for this device lies not only within its immediate application for glioblastoma but also for making strides within the larger field of rapid cancer diagnostics.
Should this technology gain mainstream traction, it promises to revolutionize how brain cancer and potentially other diseases are diagnosed, facilitating quicker treatment responses and possibly saving countless lives.
This promising development offers hope to many patients and their families, highlighting the transformative impact of scientific innovation on healthcare.
