Health

Nanotechnology used to differentiate cancer cells from normal cells

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 24, 2007

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

Metastatic cancer cells are softer than normal cells when assessed by atomic force microscopy, a nanotechnological tool, and this may become a new way to detect this condition, according to a paper published online Dec. 2 in Nature Nanotechnology.

Researchers assessed the stiffness of cells taken from the bodily fluids of patients with cancers of the lung, breast and pancreas. Diseased cells were 70% softer than healthy ones.

This is being viewed as a significant advance because conventional diagnostic methods rely on visual examination of these cells with a microscope and various staining techniques. They miss about 30% of cases.

"The metastatic cancer cells were extremely soft and easily distinguishable from the normal cells despite similarities in appearance," said Sarah Cross, the lead author and a graduate student in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Atomic force microscopy uses a nano-sized tip to measure the elasticity of the cell, and researchers intend to study next whether assessment of cancer cells in this way can lead to more targeted chemotherapy.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/12/24/hlbf1224.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn