Early detection of cancer now possible through blood test? Chinese scientists develop high-tech light sensor

Cancer Test: A relief report has come out from the world of science regarding early detection of cancer. Scientists at China’s Shenzhen University have developed a powerful light-based sensor, which is capable of detecting several cancer biomarkers present in the blood. This technology can help in giving early warning of cancer in future through just a simple blood test.

What was found in the research?

This research has been published in the prestigious science journal Optica, which is published by Optica Publishing Group. According to Han Zhang, head of the research team, this sensor works by combining DNA nanostructures, quantum dots and CRISPR-Cas12a gene editing technology. It uses a special optical process called Second Harmonic Generation (SHG), which allows even very weak biomarker signals to be accurately detected.

How will this test work?

Biomarkers are generally present in very low concentrations in the early stages of cancer, so conventional tests cannot detect them. But this new sensor succeeded in detecting the lung cancer-associated microRNA miR-21 at sub-atomolar levels. Even when only a few molecules were present in the sample, the system still gave a clear and measurable signal.

What is special in this test?

The special thing about this technique is that it does not require chemical amplification, due to which the process of testing becomes faster, simpler and less expensive. Researchers believe that if this technique proves successful at the clinical level, then doctors will be able to detect signs of cancer through blood tests even before the tumor is visible in the CT scan.