New methods of cancer diagnosis in the early stages
1. Liquid biopsy: Revolution in early cancer diagnosis
Liquid biopsy is a non -invasive diagnostic method that allows you to analyze the components associated with cancer in the blood. Unlike traditional biopsy, requiring surgical intervention, liquid biopsy uses a blood sample, which makes the procedure less painful and more convenient for the patient. This method has great potential for the early detection, monitoring and prediction of cancer development.
1.1. Circulating tumor cells (TsOC): Search for rare specimens
Tsok is a cells separated from the primary tumor and fell into the bloodstream. Their presence indicates the metastatic potential of cancer. Liquid biopsy allows you to detect and analyze the Central Department Store, which gives valuable information about the stage of the disease, genetic mutations and sensitivity to drugs.
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TsOC detection methods:
- Immunomagnetic separation: Uses antibodies specific to surface markers TsOC, to remove them from the blood using magnetic particles.
- Microfluid devices: Using microcanals and microstructures are used for selective capture of the Central Department of Construction Summary, shape or other physical properties.
- Printing citometry: Allows you to identify and calculate the TsOC using fluorescent antibodies, laid out by different markers.
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Application in early diagnosis:
- Identification of cancer in the early stages in patients with high risk (for example, family history).
- Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and the identification of relapses at an early stage.
- Determination of genetic mutations in the TsOC for personalized therapy.
1.2. Circulating tumor DNA (Central Union): Genetic information in the bloodstream
The Central Department Store is DNA fragments released by tumor cells into the bloodstream. The analysis of the Central Administration allows you to detect genetic mutations characteristic of cancer, even in the early stages, when the tumor is still small and cannot be detected by other methods.
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TSDNK analysis methods:
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction): Enhances the specific fragments of the Central Administration for their detection and quantitative assessment.
- New generation sequencing (NGS): Allows you to determine the sequence of DNA in the Central Administration and identify various genetic mutations.
- Digital drip PCR (DDPCR): It divides the sample into thousands of microcapelle, each of which contains either one or a single Central Union Molecule, which provides high accuracy of a quantitative assessment.
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Application in early diagnosis:
- Screening for cancer in healthy people or in people with increased risk.
- Diagnosis of cancer in the early stages in patients with suspected disease.
- Monitoring the response to therapy and identifying acquired resistance to drugs.
- Determination of the minimum residual disease after treatment.
1.3. Microrm (Markn): regulators of genetic expression in the bloodstream
Microrm is small non -dodging RNA molecules that regulate the expression of genes. They play an important role in the development and progression of cancer. Microrm can be released by tumor cells into the bloodstream, and their analysis can serve as a potential biomarker for early cancer diagnosis.
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Mirnka analysis methods:
- PCR with reverse transcription (RT-PCR): Mirk transforms into DNA, and then enhances it with the help of PCR for detection and quantitative assessment.
- Microchips: They contain many probes that are complementary to various Marknes, which allows you to simultaneously analyze the expression of a large amount of Mirn.
- RNA sequencing (RNA-EQ): Allows you to determine the sequence of RNA in the sample and quantify the expression of Mirnka.
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Application in early diagnosis:
- Identification of cancer in the early stages in characteristic changes in the profile of the expression of Mirnka.
- Differential diagnosis of various types of cancer.
- Prediction of the risk of metastases.
1.4. Exosomas: Nano-transport funds with tumor information
Exosomas are extracellular vesicles released by cells, including tumor cells. They contain various biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins that can be used to diagnose cancer.
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Exosive analysis methods:
- Ultracentrifugation: It is used to separate the exos from other blood components based on their size and density.
- Immunoffphone division: He uses antibodies specific to surface markers of exosos to extract them from blood.
- Nanopustista tracking-analysis (NTA): Allows you to determine the size and concentration of exosos.
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Application in early diagnosis:
- Identification of cancer in the early stages by analyzing the contents of the exosos (for example, Central Military Code, Markn, Squirrels).
- Determination of the origin of exosos (for example, from tumor cells or from normal cells).
- Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and the identification of relapses.
2. New visualization methods: look inside the body
Modern visualization methods play an important role in the early diagnosis of cancer, allowing you to identify tumors in the early stages, when they are still amenable to effective treatment.
2.1. PET/CT (Positron emission tomography/computed tomography): Metabolic activity of the tumor
PET/CT is a visualization method that combines functional information obtained using PET with anatomical information obtained using CT. PET uses a radioactive tracer that accumulates in tumor cells, reflecting their metabolic activity. CT provides a detailed image of organs and tissues, allowing you to accurately determine the location of the tumor.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- Identification of metastatic lesions of the lymph nodes for cancer of the mammary gland, lungs and other types of cancer.
- Assessment of treatment and detection of relapse.
- Private therapy planning.
2.2. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): high contrast of soft tissues
MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues. MRI has a high contrast of soft tissues, which makes it especially useful for visualization of tumors in the brain, breast, prostate gland and other organs.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- Breast cancer screening in high risk women.
- Diagnosis of prostate cancer.
- Identification of tumors of the brain and spinal cord.
2.3. Ultrasound (ultrasound): Safe and affordable method
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of organs and tissues. Ultrasound is a safe, non -invasive and affordable method, which is widely used to diagnose various diseases, including cancer.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- Screening for thyroid cancer.
- Diagnosis of liver cancer.
- Identification of ovarian tumors.
2.4. Optical coherent tomography (OKT): microscopic visualization in vivo
Oct is a visualization method that uses light to create images of tissue microstructure. OKT allows you to get images with high resolution similar to microscopic, but without the need to remove tissue from the body.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- Diagnosis of skin cancer.
- Identification of precancerous changes in the esophagus (for example, Barrett’s esophagus).
- Visualization of the microstructure of tumors during surgical operations.
2.5. Molecular visualization: aiming on tumor markers
Molecular visualization uses special contrasting substances that are associated with certain molecules expressed by tumor cells. This allows you to visualize tumors in the early stages and receive information about their biological characteristics.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- The identification of tumors that cannot be detected by other methods of visualization.
- Assessment of the response to therapy.
- Personalized selection of treatment.
3. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (MO): new opportunities for data analysis
AI and mug the diagnosis of cancer, offering new opportunities for the analysis of large volumes of data, identifying patterns and improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
3.1. Analysis of images using AI:
AI can be used to analyze medical images (for example, x-rays, CT, MRI) to identify signs of cancer, which can be missed by radiologists.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- Automated screening for breast cancer, lungs and other types of cancer.
- Increasing the accuracy of cancer diagnosis.
- Reducing the working load of radiologists.
3.2. Analysis of genomic data using MO:
MO can be used to analyze genomic data (for example, DNA, RNA sequences) to detect genetic mutations associated with cancer, and to predict the risk of cancer.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- Personalized screening for cancer based on a genetic profile.
- Prediction of the response to therapy.
- Development of new drugs.
3.3. Integration of data from various sources:
AI can be used to integrate data from various sources (for example, medical images, genomic data, clinical data) to create a complex profile of the patient and improve the accuracy of diagnosis and forecasting.
- Application in early diagnosis:
- Development of decision -making support systems for doctors.
- A personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
4. New biomarkers: molecular keys to early detection
The development of new biomarkers is an important direction in the early diagnosis of cancer. Biomarkers are molecules that can be measured in biological samples (for example, blood, urine, tissue) and which indicate the presence or risk of cancer.
4.1. Protein biomarkers:
Proteins expressed by tumor cells can be used as biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis.
- Examples:
- PSA (prostatic specific antigen) for prostate cancer.
- CA-125 for ovarian cancer.
- CEA (carcinoembreal antigen) for cancer of the colon.
4.2. Nucleic acids as biomarkers:
DNA and RNA, released by tumor cells into the bloodstream, can be used as biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. (see section 1.2 and 1.3)
4.3. Metabolic biomarkers:
Changes in cell metabolism associated with cancer can be used to develop new biomarkers.
- Analysis methods:
- Mass spectrometry.
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (JAMR).
4.4. Immunological biomarkers:
Changes in the immune system associated with cancer can be used to develop new biomarkers.
- Examples:
- Circulating immune cells.
- Cytokines.
5. Nanotechnology in the diagnosis of cancer: accuracy at the nanoural
Nanotechnologies offer new opportunities for cancer diagnosis in the early stages. Nanoparticles can be used to deliver contrasting substances to tumor cells, to detect biomarkers and for the delivery of drugs.
5.1. Nanoparticles for visualization:
Nanoparticles can be used to deliver contrasting substances to tumor cells, which can improve tumors visualization using visualization methods such as MRI and PET.
5.2. Nanosensers for the discovery of biomarkers:
Nanosensers can be used to detect cancer biomarkers in biological samples with high sensitivity and specificity.
5.3. Nanoparticles for the delivery of drugs:
Nanoparticles can be used to deliver drugs directly to tumor cells, which allows you to increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects.
6. Conclusion: Prospects for early cancer diagnosis
New methods for diagnosing cancer in the early stages described above have great potential to improve the survival and quality of life of patients with cancer. Further research and development in this area will lead to the creation of more accurate, effective and affordable methods of cancer, which will reveal diseases in the early stages, when they are more amenable to effective treatment.