Rapid DNA blood test by Chinese team might revolutionize early detection of pancreatic cancer
The development of a groundbreaking single-cell multiomics technology named Uni-C is set to revolutionize the early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. This innovative tool, developed by a team led by Professor Lin Da at the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Director Yang Yuqin of the Laboratory Animal Centre at Shanghai General Hospital, promises more early detection for pancreatic cancer patients [1].
Uni-C's unique ability lies in its capacity to simultaneously decode three critical layers of genomic information from individual circulating tumour cells (CTCs) found in blood. This includes large-scale structural variations, small-scale mutations, and 3D chromatin architecture, providing unprecedented insights into tumour biology [1].
CTCs, often referred to as the "seeds" shed from tumours into the bloodstream, carry the complete genomic profile of the primary tumour. The scarcity of CTCs, which are typically just a few cells per millilitre (0.03 ounces) of blood, has previously made comprehensive analysis difficult. However, Uni-C's fast, highly integrated procedure enables detailed genomic profiling of single tumour cells quickly [1].
The comprehensive analysis of CTCs, previously nearly impossible due to their scarcity, is now possible with this method. This capability could lead to more personalized immunotherapy treatments for pancreatic cancer, a disease usually diagnosed late and difficult to treat effectively [1]. The method's potential for early detection and personalized treatment could significantly improve the prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients.
Uni-C matches the accuracy of traditional biopsies and enables entire DNA analysis in less than a day. This means that pancreatic cancer can be detected earlier, allowing for monitoring and tailored immunotherapy strategies to be implemented [1]. The study introducing Uni-C was published in Nature Communications on July 26.
In conclusion, Uni-C's key contribution lies in ultra-rapid, multi-dimensional genomic analysis of individual CTCs in blood, promoting earlier pancreatic cancer diagnosis and more effective individualized therapies [1]. This technology could potentially revolutionize the early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer, offering hope for those affected by this devastating disease.
[1] Reference: The published study in Nature Communications on July 26.
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