Portable $5 Spit Test Shows Promise in Detecting Breast Cancer, Study Finds
Breast cancer is a prevalent and life-threatening disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Detecting breast cancer early is crucial for successful treatment and improved survival rates. In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Florida and Taiwan have developed a portable spit test that could revolutionize breast cancer detection.
The researchers have created a palm-sized handheld device that can detect cancer biomarkers in saliva using just a single drop. The device utilizes common components like glucose tests, which diabetics use to measure blood sugar, and inexpensive open-source hardware. This low-cost alternative to invasive procedures like mammograms and ultrasounds could be a game-changer in the field of breast cancer screening.
Hsiao-Hsuan Wan, a study author and doctoral candidate at the University of Florida, explains the potential impact of this device: “Imagine medical staff conducting breast cancer screening in communities or hospitals. Our device is an excellent choice because it is portable and reusable. The testing time is under five seconds per sample, which makes it highly efficient.”
To test the effectiveness of the device, the researchers dipped paper glucose test strips in antibody solutions that interact with proteins known to cause breast cancer cells to develop and grow quickly. These proteins, HER2 and CA 15-3, are found in a significant number of breast cancer patients. The team obtained saliva samples from breast cancer patients and healthy volunteers, dividing them into three groups based on their cancer status.
Using the test strip, one drop of saliva was placed on it, and electrical pulses were sent to contact points on the device. These pulses bound to the antibodies and altered the charge of the electrode, producing a digital signal of cancer biomarkers on the device. The results were astonishing – the device successfully differentiated between patients with breast cancer and those without in just five seconds.
“The simplicity of operation and the potential for widespread public use in the future position this approach as a transformative tool in the early detection of breast cancer,” the researchers wrote. They believe that this research not only advances diagnostic methodologies but also holds the promise of revolutionizing public health practices.
Dr. Wan highlights the cost-effectiveness of the device, stating, “Our technology is more cost-effective, with the test strip costing just a few cents and the reusable circuit board priced at $5. Ultimately, we’ve created a technique that has the potential to help people all around the world.”
However, before the device can be made available to patients, it must undergo regulatory approval from bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). In the UK, it will also need approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to determine its cost-effectiveness and coverage by the NHS.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in both the US, UK, and globally. While death rates have decreased due to awareness campaigns, improved screening, and new drugs, cases of advanced forms of the disease have been on the rise. This increase has been attributed to a lack of testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that there will be over 300,000 new cases of breast cancer in the US this year, resulting in approximately 43,700 deaths. In the UK, there are around 56,000 cases of breast cancer annually, with 11,500 deaths. The prevalence of breast cancer highlights the urgent need for innovative and efficient detection methods.
Currently, mammograms are the primary method for detecting breast cancer. However, they can be uncomfortable and costly. The portable spit test offers a non-invasive and affordable alternative that could potentially save lives. Signs of breast cancer include lumps, changes in breast appearance, inverted nipples, skin changes, and redness or pitting around the breast.
The study, published in the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B, represents a significant step forward in breast cancer detection. While it may take several years for the device to be available to patients, its potential impact on global healthcare is immense. With further development and regulatory approval, this portable spit test could become a transformative tool in the fight against breast cancer.
