We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Microscopy Innovation Developed to Diagnose Cancer

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 May 2017
Print article
Image: Researchers have devised a new microscopic tool to detect and analyze single melanoma cells that are more representative of the skin cancers developed by most patients (Photo courtesy of the University of Missouri).
Image: Researchers have devised a new microscopic tool to detect and analyze single melanoma cells that are more representative of the skin cancers developed by most patients (Photo courtesy of the University of Missouri).
Researchers have developed a spectrophotometric technique for microscopic analysis of variations in single cancer cells, enabling more efficient diagnosis of melanomas, including metastasize forms.

For years, melanoma researchers have studied samples that were considered uniform in size and color. But melanomas don’t always come in the same shape and hue; often, melanomas are irregular and dark, making them difficult to investigate.

“Researchers often seek out the types of cancerous cells that are homogenous in nature and are easier to observe with traditional microscopic devices,” said study first author Luis Polo-Parada, associate professor at University of Missouri, “Yet, because the vast amount of research is conducted on one type of cell, it often can lead to misdiagnosis in a clinical setting.”

In their new study, including researchers in Mexico as part of UM’s “Mizzou Advantage” program to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the team devised a tool to detect and analyze single melanoma cells that are more representative of the skin cancers developed by most patients. They decided to supplement the emerging technique photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy, a specialized optical technique used to probe tissues and cells non-invasively. Ellison Gordon of UM’s machine shop was involved in the manufacturing of components for the microscope setup.

Current systems use the formation of sound waves followed by the absorption of light, so the tissues must adequately absorb the laser light. This is why most researchers have focused only on consistently hued and shaped melanoma cells. The team modified a microscope that was able to merge light sources at a range conducive to observing the details of single melanoma cells. Using the modified system, they could identify irregularities in human melanoma and breast cancers as well as mouse melanoma cells, enabling them to reach a diagnosis with greater ease and efficiency. The team also noted that as the cancer cells divided, they grew paler in color yet the system was able to detect the newer, smaller cells as well.

“Overall, our studies show that by using modified techniques we will be able to observe non-uniform cancer cells, regardless of their origin,” Prof. Polo-Parada said, “Additionally, as these melanoma cells divide and distribute themselves throughout the blood, they can cause melanomas to metastasize. We were able to observe those cancers as well. This method could help medical doctors and pathologists to detect cancers as they spread, becoming one of the tools in the fight against this fatal disease.”

The study, by Polo-Parada L et al, was published March 13, 2017, in the journal Analyst.

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
ADAMTS-13 Protease Activity Test
ATS-13 Activity Assay

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new ADLM guidance will help healthcare professionals navigate respiratory virus testing in a post-COVID world (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New ADLM Guidance Provides Expert Recommendations on Clinical Testing For Respiratory Viral Infections

Respiratory tract infections, predominantly caused by viral pathogens, are a common reason for healthcare visits. Accurate and swift diagnosis of these infections is essential for optimal patient management.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Molecular PCR-grade detection of Lyme bacteria right at the tick bite (Photo courtesy of En Carta Diagnostics)

Groundbreaking Molecular Diagnostic Kit to Provide Lyme Disease Detection in Minutes

Lyme disease, transmitted through tick bites, is a bacteria-caused illness that impacts 1.2 million individuals annually. The standard methods for diagnosing this disease include clinical examinations,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The novel test uses an existing diagnostic procedure as its basis to target the Epstein Barr Virus (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Blood Test Measures Immune Response to Epstein-Barr Virus in MS Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. It affects around three million people globally and ranks as the second most common cause of disability... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The T-SPOT.TB test is now paired with the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handling platform for accurate TB testing (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: For 46 years, Roche and Hitachi have collaborated to deliver innovative diagnostic solutions (Photo courtesy of Roche)

Roche and Hitachi High-Tech Extend 46-Year Partnership for Breakthroughs in Diagnostic Testing

Roche (Basel, Switzerland) and Hitachi High-Tech (Tokyo, Japan) have renewed their collaboration agreement, committing to a further 10 years of partnership. This extension brings together their long-standing... Read more