Chinese ‘black-hole’ purifier catches tumour cells in blood to stop cancer spread
Chinese scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind purifier capable of removing breakaway tumour cells that circulate through the bloodstream, potentially preventing the recurrence and spread of some cancers. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University-led team said the proof-of-concept platform could lower the risk of metastasis – the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide – in a…
Chinese researchers have created a novel device designed to capture and remove circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, potentially reducing the risk of cancer metastasis. Published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University reported their findings in a study conducted with mouse models. The "black-hole system" utilizes a microfluidic reservoir, or "black hole," to selectively trap tumor cells using antibodies targeting EpCAM, a surface protein prevalent in cancer cells.
When tested, the system demonstrated a capture efficiency of over 99% for human breast cancer cells at low flow rates, and around 95% at a speed of 1.2ml per hour. The researchers observed that mice treated with the system alongside chemotherapy had a 50% survival rate and a 16.7% reduction in overall tumor recurrence over a four-week period, compared to the 20% survival rate seen in mice receiving single therapies.
With no observed organ toxicity, the team highlighted the system's biocompatibility. While noting that further engineering improvements and larger-scale validation are necessary, the researchers expressed optimism about the "black-hole system" as a potential adjuvant therapy to improve post-surgical chemotherapy efficacy in preventing cancer metastasis.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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