May 22, 2009 -- Over-the-counter tests for lung, colon, prostate and other cancers could soon be available at your local pharmacy, say scientists from the University of Central Florida. The tests, which scientists compare to over-the-counter pregnancy tests, would detect seven to 10 different kinds of common cancers using a single drop of blood, and take a few minutes to complete. "We want to use this as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool," said Qun Huo, a professor at the University of Central Florida who developed the testing system and announced it at a recent conference in Houston. "If people are willing to do more screening, then they can catch any unusual changes due to cancer sooner, and the survival rates should increase." The tests could reach the market in as little as two years, Quo says. Related Content:
When a normal, properly functioning cell suddenly turns cancerous, it releases unusual chemicals, known as biomarkers, into the blood stream. Doctors can already detect several of these biomarkers. The problem with existing methods is that they are fairly expensive, take several hours to complete, need several syringes of blood, and can only detect large numbers of biomarkers. When there are enough biomarkers to detect cancer using existing tests, it often means that the cancer is large or in more advanced stages, when treatment options can be limited. By contrast, the over-the-counter cancer test would be quick, relatively painless, and more sensitive than existing methods. To accomplish this, the new test will use a variety of gold nanoparticles, some as small as nine nanometers and ranging up to over 100 nanometers, to detect cancer biomarkers. Get More NewsMouse Cloned From Long-Frozen CellResearchers create a mouse from a long-frozen cell. Will the mammoth be next?'Bubble' Could Protect AstronautsScientists say a "bubble" around a Mars-bound spaceship could protect astronauts.Big Reduction of Snowmobiles in Yellowstone ProposedA new plan would cut snowmobile use by 40 percent in Yellowstone.Microbes: Fuel of the Future?A reddish South American microbe is literally breathing fuel, say scientists.DNA Links Remains to Steve FossetDNA tests on two bones found in California confirm they are those of Steve Fossett.Women Carry More Bacteria Than MenSome bacteria prefer women, suggests a new study. But why?Ancient 'Water Monster' Facing ExtinctionA foot-long salamander that was a key part of Aztec legend is threatened by extinction.Grand Canyon's Youth ConfirmedThe Grand Canyon is millions of years younger than previously thought, argue geologists.My Take: E-Voting Not User FriendlyOpinion: Electronic voting machines don't always capture the intent of voters.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.At 40, Brain and Body SlowThe part of the brain in charge of motion starts a gradual slide in middle age.Spiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates. |
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Get the Wide Angle on Nanotech and CancerNanotechnology offers potential for detecting and treating cancer without altering healthy cells. That means targeted death for cancerous tumors without the negative side effects of conventional therapies. We'll take a look at some of these methods and also explore the risks and promises of this new scientific field.
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