MIT News breed · Science

New Cell-Collection Device for Early Cancer Detection

A new handheld device gently collects living cells from specific tissue locations, potentially improving early cancer detection and enabling personalized medicine. Tested on fallopian tube samples for ovarian cancer research, it aims to overcome challenges in sampling microscopic precursor lesions.

Ovarian cancer's high mortality is often due to late detection. Early diagnosis significantly increases survival, but microscopic lesions in fallopian tubes are hard to sample.

The device uses a microfluidic channel and fluid flow to detach living cells, preserving their viability for diagnostics and disease modeling.

Unlike traditional methods that destroy cells, this technique allows collection of living cells from specific regions for studying early disease and personalized treatments.

The device creates a seal and applies shear stress with fluid, gently detaching cells. Collected cells remain viable and grow better than with conventional methods.

Researchers used the device on human fallopian tube samples, collecting cells for organoids used in disease modeling and treatment testing.

The technology is adaptable to different cell types by adjusting shear stress. It could be used internally for easier testing and earlier detection.

Supported by Break Through Cancer, the project aims to provide better methods for obtaining living cells from specific tissue regions, facilitating earlier disease identification.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.