A team of international researchers, including scientists from The Rockefeller University’s Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, has developed a highly sensitive blood test that could potentially detect common deadly cancers at an early stage. The test focuses on detecting a key protein called LINE-1-ORF1p, which is produced by cancer cells. Unlike other cancer tests that can be limited, expensive, or require invasive tissue sampling, this method is a low-cost, multi-cancer detector that can identify the presence of the protein in a small amount of blood in under two hours.
The detection of cancer biomarkers has become a growing field, with various biomarkers available for testing. However, these biomarkers often come with limitations such as the need for surgical biopsies or being utilized only after symptoms have emerged, which may be too late for effective intervention. Additionally, many biomarkers target specific types of cancer, limiting their range. However, researchers have identified a promising biomarker called LINE-1 ORF1p that could enable earlier detection of cancer. This protein, which is highly elevated in most cancers, including esophageal, colon, lung, breast, ovarian, uterine, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers, can serve as an indication of unhealthy cells.
The research team collaborated with experts from Mass General Brigham, Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, among other institutions, to develop an ultrasensitive assay capable of detecting ORF1p in plasma samples. The assay utilizes a single-molecule-based detection technology called Simoa, combined with custom nanobodies derived from llamas that act as capture reagents and sensitive probes for ORF1p detection.
The researchers found that the assay demonstrated high accuracy in detecting ORF1p in blood samples from patients with various cancers, including ovarian, gastroesophageal, and colorectal cancers. The test costs less than $3 to produce and provides fast results. In addition to its potential for early cancer detection, the assay could also be used to monitor a patient’s response to cancer therapy. If the treatment is effective, the level of ORF1p in the blood should decrease.
The study also highlights the significant potential of nanobody reagents generated through the study of interactomics, which seeks to understand the dynamic interactions of proteins and nucleic acids within cells. These nanobodies, derived from llamas, have the potential to be valuable tools in the hands of doctors for various applications beyond research purposes.
Overall, this highly sensitive blood test offers a promising avenue for early cancer detection and could potentially save lives by enabling timely interventions. Further research and development are needed to validate and refine this test for widespread clinical use.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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