Micrometastases derived from breast cancer is extremely hard to detect using conventional methods (X-ray or mammograms) and usually requires highly invasive biopsies to remove various tissue samples from the patient for further diagnosis and corroboration. However, scientists from Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute from Tampa, Florida have devised a new method for detecting advanced stage breast cancer.
The authors of the study showed that compared to normal breast tissue, breast cancer cells are known to produce high amounts of a protein termed carbonic anhydrase isozymes IX and XII, membrane bound enzymes involved in regulating the pH of blood and extracellular fluid. It is believed that the high levels of this enzyme can protect breast cancer cells from low oxygen levels and other toxicities compared to normal tissue.
The authors of the study, published in Clinical Cancer Research two days ago, came up with a very innovative way and non-invasive way of detecting breast cancer tissue. They produced an antibody specific for this two enzymes and conjugated the antibody to an infrared excitable dye. Indeed, the antibody conjugated to the dye is highly specific.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Non-invasive imaging technique for detecting advanced breast cancer - Pittsburgh Medical Technology | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/medical-technology-in-pittsburgh/non-invasive-imaging-technique-for-detecting-advanced-breast-cancer#ixzz1bidzglw0
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