New Technology Shows Promise in Detecting Cancer in Hard-to-Reach Places
Scientists from around the world have developed a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to detect and even treat cancer in challenging locations, such as the colon. The team’s innovative technique, named Cellular Assay for Targeted, CRISPR-Discriminated Horizontal Gene Transfer (CATCH), was published in the esteemed journal Science.
In their experiments, the scientists utilized a specific type of bacterium called Acinetobacter baylyi. This bacterium has a unique ability to naturally absorb free-floating DNA from its surroundings and incorporate it into its own genetic code, allowing it to synthesize new proteins for its growth.
The researchers engineered A. baylyi bacteria by introducing long sequences of DNA that resemble the genetic material found in human cancer cells. These sequences act like one-half of a zipper, selectively binding to captured cancer DNA. The team focused on the KRAS gene, which is known to be frequently mutated in colorectal tumors. If an A. baylyi bacterium comes into contact with mutated DNA and integrates it into its genome, an associated antibiotic resistance gene is also activated. This activation served as a confirmation of the presence of cancer cells, as only bacteria with active antibiotic resistance were able to survive and grow on culture plates containing antibiotics.
While the scientists successfully demonstrated the detection of tumor DNA in lab mice injected with colorectal cancer cells, they emphasize that the technology is not yet ready for actual diagnosis. The team is currently concentrating on further refining and enhancing the efficiency of the technique. They are also comparing its performance to other existing diagnostic tests.
Dan Worthley, one of the study’s authors, highlighted the potential of this technology beyond disease detection. In an article published in The Conversation, Worthley stated, “The most exciting aspect of cellular healthcare, however, is not in the mere detection of disease. A laboratory can do that.” He envisions the future use of this technology for targeted biological therapy, where treatments can be deployed to specific parts of the body based on the presence of certain DNA sequences.
Although more research is needed, this groundbreaking technology holds significant promise for early detection and targeted treatment of cancer in areas that were previously difficult to access. The development of the CATCH technique offers hope for improved outcomes and a brighter future in the fight against cancer.