Cancer Treatment Update: 3D Hydrogel Biochip To Help Increase Colorectal Cancer Survival

First Posted: May 31, 2016 09:17 AM EDT
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A 3D hydrogel biochip, a new way of detecting colorectal cancer in the early stages, has been discovered by the scientists at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. The announcement was made in time for the upcoming conference of the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology.  

The 3D hydrogel biochip will be using antibodies to determine the CRC specific glycans that emerge in the earliest stages of  cancer, with the hope of improving today's survival rates. These biochips are 3D cells consisting of a special gel that has molecular probes. Based on reports, the physical feature of the gel is an optimal form for running tests. The Russian scientists were able to develop a method that can calculate the concentration of antibodies-to-glycans in the patient's blood. This means that combining the biochips into a patient's blood sample will give the mot precise results.

3D hydrogel biochip test successfully detected Colorectal Cancer in 95 percent of all cases, compared to the 79 percent of the currently used methods. The sensitivity of CRC detection was also noted to be 87percent than the 21 percent of the current methods.  These results signify a big improvement in sensitivity, the test's actual capacity to determine the disease therefore preventing wrong results.

Current diagnostic methods are not sufficient. According to research, analyses that are carried out in vitro have low specificity. In addition, invasive studies, like colonoscopy are not just traumatic, but are also not always fit for an early diagnosis due to the incomplete image of the distribution and the development of colorectal cancer.

Due to the nature of the 3D hyrogel biochip test method, which is the use of antibodies to determine other molecules, it can also be used in other cases. The Russian scientists are hopeful that the method will be used to detect other gastrointestinal disorders as well.  The findings are also expected to bring hope and encouragement to all cancer patients around the world.

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