When the gold nanoparticles detect a chemical produced by a cancerous cell, two of the nanoparticles sandwich the cancer particle in a bear hug. Waves of light then bounce off the suddenly larger particles to detect the cancer molecules and alert the patient to their existence. If the test finds cancer biomarkers, Huo says patients shouldn't panic. Instead, it should be a sign that they should see a doctor for further testing and to monitor the progression of the disease. "We use assays to monitor cholesterol levels as well," said Huo. "But that doesn't necessarily mean that a person with high cholesterol will have a heart attack." "This test could certainly come in handy," said Cheryl Baker, a physician at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando. "If you pick up rising biomarker levels, then we can start treatment and increase the survival rate. Hopefully this will help separate a cancer diagnosis from a death sentence." Related Links: |
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