Genetic ‘barcode’ test could diagnose colorectal cancer subtypes in hours
Human colon cancer cells with the cell nuclei stained red and the protein E-cadherin stained green. E-cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule and its loss signals a process known as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in which cells acquire the ability to migrate and become invasive. This image was originally submitted as part of the 2015 NCI Cancer Close Up project and selected for exhibit. https://visualsonline.cancer.gov/details.cfm?imageid=9867
Photo credit: Urbain Weyemi, Christophe E. Redon, William M. Bonner Researchers have developed a new test, based on a molecular ‘barcoding’ technology, that can diagnose an individual’s specific type of colorectal cancer in a matter of hours, rather than the months it can take using existing tools. The findings were recently published in Scientific Reports.In recent years, scientists have identified that colorectal cancer consists of five distinct diseases, with different biological characteristics that affect how they respond to drugs. This new test could enable a more personalized treatment approach to colorectal cancer. “We have created a new test that makes use...
