Nanobiotechnology-based Solutions for Cancer Patients

22 June 2007

A breakthrough in Nanobiotechnology has enabled scientists to create a glass chip that can detect fluctuations in the chromosomes in cancer patients. Chromosome fluctuations may mean deterioration in a patient’s condition. The practical effect of this invention which can detect such fluctuations is that doctors can track the progress of cancer patients more closely and modify their treatments as needed.

Conventional treatments to monitor chromosome fluctuations already exist, but they have their limitations. One such solution is called “FISH”, which stands for fluorescent in situ hybridization and involves attaching colored dyes to the chromosomes to monitor them. This conventional approach however is time consuming and expensive. It can take days before the results are known, and most of the tests are conducted in labs.

The Nanotechnology based solution, however, called “FISH on a chip,” is more cost effective and can produce results in hours, as opposed to the days it takes for the conventional treatment. For cancer patients, time is of the essence in getting the correct prognosis. By monitoring the chromosomes, doctors will be able to quickly ascertain if cancer is returning after remission. Treatments can be administered in various areas as well, including outlying rural areas where access to medical care would normally be limited.

The researchers will publish their findings in this month’s issue of the journal Nanobiotechnology.

Related Posts: