Kumamoto University researchers have developed a microfilter device that can quickly separate and capture small amounts of cancer cells from blood. This device, which is only a palm-sized, will help in the development of new technologies for cancer diagnosis based on blood cells. It can be used to detect early cancers, postoperative management and recurrence monitoring.People with cancer have trace amounts of cancer cells in their blood. These CTCs are cancer cells that have separated from the primary site. These cells are very rare, as they only occur in a small number of cells per milliliter. Red or white blood cells, however, can be extremely difficult to distinguish and detect. While devices have been available for the detection of CTCs in the past, these devices require expensive equipment and reagents. This has made it difficult to apply them in practice.Kumamoto University's research group developed a unique microfilter device that can quickly and cheaply capture CTCs. When blood is pumped through the device, it is dynamically and three-dimensionally distorted by fluid force. The device also uses nucleic acid-aptamers which bind to specific target molecules. This allows for both size-selective as well as affinity-selective capture and separation of small cancer cells.Researchers discovered that the device could detect cancer cells at concentrations as low as five cancer cells per mL of blood. The device has a high detection rate, as it can detect approximately five billion red and white blood cells per mL. Researchers found that the microfilter did not absorb blood cells, and achieved a blood cell removal rate exceeding 98%. It was also highly selective in its detection. They also found that it was capable of detecting cancer cells more accurately than other devices in a comparative study.Associate Professor Yuta Nagashima, who conducted the study, said that "this work shows that our microfilter device can accurately detect trace quantities of cancer cells in plasma." It is expected that it will be used for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This includes early detection of cancers such as PET and CT scans. Postoperative follow-up and tailored treatments are also possible. To verify its clinical and practical application, we will use blood samples from cancer patients in the future.This research was published online in Talanta, 1 June 2021.###Source: Fukuyama S. Kumamoto S. Nagano S. Hitotsuya S. Yasuda K. Kitamura Y.,... Nakashima Y. (2021). (2021). Talanta 228, 122239. doi 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122239
