Researchers at the University of Toronto may have found a better way to identify prostate cancer patients who may not respond to first-line treatments. Tumors that are drug-resistant, have circulating tumor cells that often times have high levels of particular messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The mRNA can be used as biomarkers of tumor drug resistance.
Researchers developed a device that contains magnetic nanoparticles containing probes for the mRNA associated with drug-resistance. The tumor cells are trapped inside of the device, and tumor-resistance cells are identified.
This new technology can help doctors avoid therapy that won’t help the patients. The study included a total 11 participants. The results proved accurate in 10 out of 11 participants. This technique is still in its early stages of testing and warrants further testing, but it looks very promising.
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