Currently, pancreatic cancer cannot be diagnosed with blood tests… Cancer is detected by exposing urine to light
The pancreas is surrounded by other organs deep in the abdomen, and even if cancer develops, there are few early symptoms. Even if signs are seen, it is difficult to detect early because they are not clearly distinguished from symptoms of stomach and liver diseases. When symptoms appear in earnest and go to the hospital, there are many cases that have progressed considerably. On the 25th, a government-funded research institute developed a sensor that diagnoses pancreatic cancer with urine, drawing attention. When will the general public be able to use it easily?
◆ Detecting cancer by exposing urine to light… Cancer diagnosis in the form of a convenient tape
Dr. Jeong Ho-sang’s research team at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) under the Ministry of Science and ICT developed a sensor that can detect cancer by shining light on a little urine, and succeeded in diagnosing cancer on the spot. By applying an artificial intelligence analysis method to the light signal that emits light, it succeeded in distinguishing between normal people and prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer patients by 99%. Professor Jun-Seok Noh of POSTECH and Professor Sam-Jin Choi of Kyung Hee University School of Medicine also participated in this study.
The research team paid attention to the difference in metabolomic components present in the urine of cancer patients and normal people. When cancer cells proliferate in the body, they secrete different metabolites into urine due to abnormal metabolism. Taking note of this point, they developed a sensor that can amplify the light signal of metabolites by shining light on a small amount of urine. Prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer can be examined by irradiating light without a separate analysis process. The test device is in the form of a strip (tape), so that cancer can be quickly diagnosed on the spot.
◆ Rapid commercialization is key… The low production price of the sensor (100 won per unit) is also attractive.
When will the commercialization of urine sensors routinely used for cancer diagnosis be possible? Since the production price of the sensor is less than 100 won per unit, it is expected that it can be used for mass inspection. The research team said, “We expect that this technology will be able to suggest a new cancer diagnosis method,” and “We have applied for related patents in Korea and the United States.”
This research was carried out as a major project by the Korea Material Research Institute with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea. The thesis has been published in the international academic journal ‘Biosensores and Bioelectronics’ and is attracting attention from researchers and bio companies around the world. Once verification is complete and patent applications are completed, full-fledged commercialization is expected to begin.
◆ Why is early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer difficult?
Currently, pancreatic cancer cannot be diagnosed with only blood tests, so early detection is not easy. Serum tumor markers, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), positron emission tomography (PET), and laparoscopy There are inspections and biopsies, but the inspection process is not easy, such as checking the accuracy.
◆ About 8,500 new patients per year… Pancreatic cancer symptoms, how to prevent it?
According to data from the Central Cancer Registry in December last year, 8,414 cases of pancreatic cancer occurred in 2020 alone. Pancreatic cancer is easy to overlook because it is not easy to distinguish it from other diseases such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice even when symptoms appear. If symptoms are present, it is a case of advanced disease. Smoking is one of the main causes. Secondhand smoke should also be avoided. Diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. It is good to be conscious of pancreatic cancer while managing diabetes well. It is helpful to reduce meat-centered high-fat, high-calorie meals and eat more fruits and vegetables.
