Technology’s Role in Cancer Therapy in the Future: Finding a Cure
By recognising and analysing cancer cells in blood samples, researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have created a ground-breaking method that enables medical practitioners to avoid intrusive biopsy procedures and track the effectiveness of treatment.
The disease that Americans fear most is still cancer. The majority of Americans believe that advances in cancer technology are essential to reducing cancer incidence rates, increasing life expectancy, and advancing the search for a cancer cure.
Because of this, novel molecular biology techniques like gene-editing tools and nanomedicine may have an impact on how cancer is treated in the future. Artificial intelligence and virtual reality advancements in computer science could also lead to novel cancer therapies.
Who gains from contemporary cancer research? the patients’ loved ones. With earlier cancer detection and better quality of life for all cancer patients, these new technologies and advancements in cancer treatment could completely change how we approach the disease.
According to Tamron Little, a peritoneal mesothelioma survivor, “computer progress might likely make a tremendous influence on cancer therapy” given the way that technology and computers are moving in. To create more targeted medicines that specifically target the cancer without having many negative side effects, a lot of study is required.
Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have developed a revolutionary technique that enables medical professionals to avoid invasive biopsy procedures and monitor the efficacy of treatment by identifying and analysing cancer cells in blood samples. Each year, more than 1,50,000 Australians are given a cancer diagnosis, making it one of the most common diseases and fatalities in the nation. When a person has cancer suspicions, surgery is frequently necessary for a definitive diagnosis, especially when the cancer is in an organ like the liver, colon, or kidney. (See also Prostate Cancer: Early Symptoms and Prevention Advice.)
An precise cancer diagnosis is essential for successful therapy, according to Professor Majid Warkiani from the UTS Faculty of Biomedical Engineering. Getting a biopsy can be uncomfortable for patients, as well as increasing their risk of complications following surgery and cost more money.
“Blood samples can be used to diagnose cancer in a far less intrusive manner than tissue biopsies. That enables medical professionals to repeat tests and track a patient’s response to therapy, “added he. Rapid detection of circulating tumour cells that have separated from primary tumours and entered the bloodstream is possible with the Static Droplet Microfluidic device.
The device uses a unique metabolic signature of cancer to differentiate tumour cells from normal blood cells. The study, Rapid metabolomic screening of cancer cells via high-throughput static droplet microfluidics, has just been published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
“In the 1920s, Otto Warburg discovered that cancer cells consume a lot of glucose and so produce more lactate. Our device monitors single cells for increased lactate using pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes that detect acidification around cells,” said Professor Warkiani.
“One millilitre of blood contains billions of blood cells, making it incredibly challenging to identify a single tumour cell. The 38,400 chambers in the new detection technique can isolate and categorise the quantity of metabolically active tumour cells “said he. The device’s ability to identify tumour cells allows for their subsequent genetic and molecular investigation, which can help with cancer diagnosis and categorization as well as help patients develop individualised treatment programmes.
The 90% of cancer-related fatalities that are caused by metastasis, in which cancer spreads to distant organs, are likewise predicted by circulating tumour cells. The biology of cancer metastasis may be better understood through the study of these cells, and new treatments may be developed as a result. Current liquid biopsy technologies are labor-intensive, expensive, and dependent on trained personnel, which restricts their use in clinical settings.
Technology is expected to play a significant role in the future of cancer therapy, with the potential to revolutionize how cancer is diagnosed, treated, and managed. Here are some ways in which technology may impact cancer therapy in the future:
- Precision Medicine: Advances in genomic sequencing and personalized medicine are enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Genetic profiling of tumors can help identify specific mutations or alterations that drive cancer growth, allowing for targeted therapies tailored to the individual patient’s genetic profile. This approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapies, which harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer, have shown remarkable success in treating certain types of cancers. Future advancements in immunotherapy may include the development of more effective immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, and cancer vaccines, among other innovative approaches.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. Machine learning algorithms can analyze large datasets, including medical records, genomic data, and imaging studies, to identify patterns and make predictions to aid in early cancer detection, treatment selection, and monitoring of treatment response. AI can also facilitate image-guided surgeries, radiation therapy planning, and drug discovery, among other applications.
- Liquid Biopsies: Liquid biopsies, which involve the analysis of blood or other bodily fluids, are emerging as a non-invasive and potentially more accessible method for cancer diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and detecting minimal residual disease. Liquid biopsies can provide real-time information about a tumor’s genetic makeup and response to therapy, allowing for more timely and informed treatment decisions.
- Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy by enabling targeted drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics at the molecular level. Nanoparticles can be engineered to specifically target cancer cells, delivering drugs directly to the tumor site and minimizing systemic side effects. Nanotechnology-based imaging agents can also enhance cancer detection and monitoring of treatment response.
- Telemedicine: Telemedicine, which involves the use of telecommunications technology for remote medical consultations and monitoring, has the potential to improve access to cancer care, especially in underserved or remote areas. Telemedicine can enable remote consultations with oncologists, remote monitoring of treatment side effects, and remote delivery of supportive care, improving patient convenience and reducing the burden of travel.
- Big Data and Real-world Evidence: The use of big data and real-world evidence can provide insights into cancer outcomes, treatment effectiveness, and patient outcomes on a population level. Analyzing large datasets can help identify trends, patterns, and best practices in cancer care, leading to more evidence-based treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.
It’s important to note that while technology has the potential to significantly impact cancer therapy in the future, it should be used in conjunction with established clinical practices and ethical considerations. Robust regulatory frameworks, data privacy, and patient safety considerations should also be in place to ensure the responsible and ethical use of technology in cancer care.