A new sensor developed by scientists at Cranfield University promises early lung cancer detection, providing results in just 40 minutes from a blood sample.
Scientists at Cranfield University have unveiled a low-cost sensor capable of detecting lung cancer biomarkers within 40 minutes from a blood sample. This innovation is set to revolutionize early cancer detection and improve patient outcomes.
“At the moment lung cancer screening tests can be expensive and take a long time. Although it’s early stages, the sensor we have developed holds great promise of early detection, which can lead to prompt treatments with higher patients’ survival rates,” co-author Iva Chianella, a senior lecturer in bio-sensors and functional polymers at Cranfield, said in a news release.
Modeled after glucose monitoring devices, the new sensor swiftly identifies two crucial lung cancer biomarkers: neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
The research team demonstrated the sensor’s effectiveness in a lab setting by achieving clinically relevant detection limits for both biomarkers.
Lung cancer, one of the most common and deadly types of cancer, has been notoriously difficult to detect early. Traditional screening methods are often expensive and time-consuming. However, early detection is critical for successful treatment and enhanced survival rates.
This new technology not only promises a quicker diagnosis but also assists clinicians in tailoring personalized treatments, marking a significant step forward in precision medicine.
Proactive screening using this sensor means clinical staff can promptly identify individuals at higher risk and refer them for further testing. This approach greatly increases the chances of catching cancer in its early, more treatable stages.
The innovative sensor also provides reliable monitoring during treatment, enabling health care providers to assess the effectiveness of therapies like chemotherapy in real time. This can ensure timely adjustments to treatment plans, further improving patient outcomes.
The research findings are detailed in the paper, “Impedimetric Biosensors for the Quantification of Serum Biomarkers for Early Detection of Lung Cancer,” published in the journal Biosensors. The promising results validate this new technology as a valuable tool in the ongoing battle against lung cancer.
Should further testing and development support initial findings, this sensor could become a staple in cancer diagnostics, offering an accessible and efficient method for early disease detection and treatment optimization. The advancement underscores the potential of bio-nano sensor technology in transforming health care practices and ultimately saving lives.