A method found to detect lung cancer from a single cell

Scientists from the University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM) have developed a new blood test capable of detecting a single malignant cell among millions of healthy ones, which enables early detection of lung cancer. The research demonstrates the high sensitivity of the method and its potential for rapid disease diagnosis.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the journal Applied Spectroscopy, the development is based on Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (FT-IR). The technology allows for finding rare circulating tumor cells that detach from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream, playing a key role in metastasis and evaluation of therapy effectiveness.

The method uses infrared radiation: different chemical compounds absorb light differently, and cancer cells have a characteristic "chemical fingerprint." Computer analysis of the spectra allows recognition of even a single tumor cell among millions of normal ones.

The authors emphasize that existing methods for detecting circulating tumor cells are often complex, expensive, and not always reliable, as cancer cells can change their properties in the blood. The new approach lacks many of these limitations.

Another advantage of the technology is its practicality: the analysis is performed on standard microscope slides already used in pathology laboratories. This simplifies the implementation of the method in clinical practice and makes it more accessible.

According to the developers, in the future, the method will allow for faster diagnosis, reduce the number of invasive procedures, and improve the selection of personalized treatment. In the future, they plan to adapt the technology for detecting other types of cancer as well.