Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a first test of its kind that can collect “zombie cells”, linked to the early stages of lung cancer.
When detecting these aged (senescent) cells in urine samples, this new method could offer a non -invasive and profitable form of detecting lung cancer before it takes over.
Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer -related deaths worldwide. The disease is known for evading early detection because clear symptoms usually only appear in their advanced stages. By the time a diagnosis is made, the treatment options are limited and the survival rates collapse.
The early detection of lung cancer could mean the difference between life and death. But current diagnostic methods, such as biopsies and image scanning, often catch the disease too late. This is where the progress enters, taking advantage of a tool based on nanoparticles capable of identifying aging cells that combines the progression of cancer.
Zombie cells
In our bodies, cells age and sometimes stop dividing, a process known as senescence. While this natural mechanism can prevent damaged cells becoming cancerous, these senescent cells do not always disappear. Instead, they remain and secrete harmful substances, feeding inflammation, tissue damage and even cancer progression. These are the so -called “zombie cells.”
The detection of zombies cells in living tissues has been a great challenge. The current methods are invasive, depending on biopsies and tissue staining, or are limited by the depth and specificity of the image. This new Nanoprobe offers a non -invasive alternative with high precision.
The technique uses an injectable sensor. If zombies cells are close, the sensor interacts with them and releases a compound that is easily detectable.
“Early cancer detection requires profitable tools and strategies that allow detection to occur quickly and precisely,” said Ljiljana Fruk, from the University of Cambridge. “We design a test based on peptide split proteins, which are at higher levels in the presence of zombies cells, and in turn they appear in the early stages of cancer.
“Ultimately, we want to develop a urine test that can help doctors identify signs of the early stages of cancer, potentially months or even years before notable symptoms appear.”
How it works
Cambridge team designed the sensor by combining two key components:
- Polydopamine (PDA): A stable and biocompatible material that serves as a platform to detect senescent cells.
- INDOCIANINE GREEN (ICG): An FDA approved for medical images, which accumulates in aged cells due to its higher lysosome content.
They created a Nanoprobe PDA-ICG combining these two components and this is taken by senescent cells. Nanoprobe highlights these cells through a technique known as Photoacoustic images (PAI). When exposed to light, the probe generates sound waves, which makes these cells easy to visualize.
Nanoprobe PDA-ICG is designed to be stable and lasting. Unlike traditional ICG dyes, which quickly degrade under the light, the PDA nucleus protects the dye, allowing an extended analysis and precise detection. In the tests, the Nanoprobe showed an increase of 2.5 times in the detection signal compared to ICG Solo.
“When monitoring the color of the urine after the injection of the probe, we can say if the cells are present in the lungs that would indicate the first signs of pathological changes that could lead to cancer,” Fruk said.
How far is this of clinical trials?
Because senescence occurs in the early stages of cancer, the detection of these cells through a simple urine test could lead to previous interventions. This could drastically improve survival rates by allowing treatments to begin before cancer advances.
While the initial results are promising, more research is needed before urine test is available to the public. The Cambridge team plans to conduct studies on animals and, finally, clinical trials to guarantee the safety and efficacy of the test.
“We have almost completed a functional urine test to detect ‘zombies’ cells in lung cancer, which will detect cancer before and avoid the need for invasive procedures, but this test has the potential of other types of cancer,” he said. “The development of more efficient cancer treatments requires earlier detection and better therapies, but also works with other disciplines for a more holistic vision of the disease, which is an essential part of my research.”
It is very likely that we are still a few years after clinical trials. However, researchers are optimistic. In a world where early detection is crucial, this innovation could pave the way for better results, more personalized treatments and, ultimately, longer lives.
The study It was published in Nature scientific reports.
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