Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 20: A team of researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, has made a significant breakthrough in cancer diagnostics by identifying key metabolites linked to pancreatic and glioma cancers. Their discovery could pave the way for earlier detection and more effective treatment strategies.
The study, conducted at INST—an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)—focused on metabolites found in exosomes derived from pancreatic, lung, and glioma cancer cell lines. These metabolites could serve as universal biomarkers, offering a non-invasive method for early cancer detection.
“This research provides a potential avenue for not only early cancer diagnosis but also the development of targeted therapeutic strategies,” the scientists noted in their paper, published in Nanoscale.
Pancreatic and glioma cancers are among the most aggressive and difficult-to-detect cancers, often diagnosed in advanced stages, leading to poor survival rates. This study addresses the critical need for reliable and non-invasive biomarkers to enhance early detection and treatment.
The research team, including Nandini Bajaj and Dr. Deepika Sharma, explored the role of exosomes—tiny nano messengers that carry tumor-derived metabolites—offering valuable insights into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Their study used advanced techniques such as Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Electron Microscopy (EM), Western Blot (WB), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) for a comprehensive characterization of these exosomes.
Their findings not only improve cancer diagnostics but also contribute to personalized medicine by shedding light on how cancer progresses at the molecular level. Identifying dysregulated metabolic pathways in tumors could lead to innovative therapies that precisely target cancer cells while minimizing side effects.
This breakthrough in early detection could revolutionize cancer treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes through precision medicine and tailored therapies.