A new technique has
been developed that is capable of tracing cancer cells around the
Scientists at Scripps Physics Oncology Center used a computer-intensive method
to find a higher amount of high-definition circulating tumour cells than
previous techniques were able.
It is thought the breakthrough could be particularly helpful for doctors
treating patients with forms of prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer which
are resistive to current chemotherapy drugs.
Dr Jorge Nieva, an oncologist at Billings Clinic at the establishment and
leader of the study, said: "This technology will allow scientists to move
away from mouse and cell culture systems and speed the delivery of cures for
cancer in people."
The technique makes it possible for healthcare staff to track the development
of cancer in real time.
According to Cancer Research UK, every two minutes a patient in the UK is
diagnosed with some form of the disease, while more than one in three will
develop cancer during their lifetime.
© Adfero Ltd
Cancer treatment news : 6 February 2012