Microfluidic Probe Evaluated as a Device for Diagnosing Cancer

A compact and easy-to-use device may help understand tumor heterogeneity and assist in personalized treatment strategies.

IBM (Rueschlikon, Switzerland) scientists are collaborating with pathologists at the University Hospital Zürich (Switzerland) to test a new prototype tool to accurately diagnose different types of cancer. This work is based on a technology developed by IBM scientists, a microfluidic probe, which slightly resembles the nib of a fountain pen. The eight-millimeter-wide, diamond-shaped probe consists in its simplest form of a silicon microfluidic head ending with a small tip bearing two microchannels.

IBM scientists have developed the microfluidic probe , which can interact with tissue sections at the micrometer scale to help unravel some of the molecular variations within tumors.

Collaboration between IBM and University Hospital Zürich puts a strong emphasis on uncovering the heterogeneity of tumors. More specifically, the collaboration focuses on lung cancer, which is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer and has a high mortality rate.

“Pathologists are determined to obtain as much accurate information as possible from markedly small biopsy samples,” said Prof. Dr. Alex Soltermann, a pathologist specializing in lung cancer at the Institute for Surgical Pathology of the University Hospital Zürich. “We hope to introduce new technologies, such as the microfluidic probe, into the clinical, molecular pathology diagnostic framework to enable a range of investigations, which were previously thought to be unfeasible. If we are successful, the tool will be a driver for personalized medicine, and translate into increased confidence in diagnosis and better detection of predictive cancer markers.”

Dr. Peter Schraml, director of the tissue biobank at the Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zürich, said, “In addition to assisting in diagnostics, this tool may provide insight into the biomarker distribution in tumor tissues, which can aid in understanding cancer progression.”

To analyze samples, pathologists typically stain the tissue sample with liquid re-agents. The intensity and distribution of the color stain classify and determine the extent of the disease. While this approach provides insights into the tumor, it is increasingly being realized that significant variations exist within the tumor itself; mapping these variations may help understand the drivers for each tumor, and assist in personalizing treatment strategies.

Scientists at IBM Research–Zurich have been testing the probe in their lab for about a year and are very encouraged by their results. They are now developing the technology in the context of important aspects in pathology and intend to install a prototype device at the hospital and work alongside pathologists.

The tool that houses the microfluidic probe is now at stage where it may assist in studying the distribution of low numbers of cancer cells in biopsied samples. The probe injects very small volumes of reagents on the tissue surface and then continuously aspirates the reagents to prevent spreading and accumulation. This approach is used to deliver and retrieve reagents locally in selected areas of a tissue section with pinpoint accuracy. This local interaction with the tissue sample helps in mapping the heterogeneity in the tissue.

IBM scientists aspire to eventually partner with a medical equipment manufacturer to license the technology and bring it to market as a tool to assist pathologists in making decisions. The microfluidic probes are designed and manufactured at the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center on the campus of IBM Research - Zurich.

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