A new development from scientists in Taiwan could simplify the detection and monitoring of various cancers. The group led by Ta-Chau Chang at Academia Sinica in Taipei have developed a small portable system that can be used for routine cancer screening.

Using an existing fluorescent dye that binds to the G-quadruplex structure of human telomeric structure, a common feature of several different cancers, the group manufactured a microarray for detecting cancerous cells. The miniaturisation means that an LED can be used as the light source to excite the fluorescent dye, which makes the device much cheaper than if a laser is used. Chang hopes that the low cost and portability will allow diagnosis to take place in small health centres in the developing world, where otherwise patients would have to wait for a long time for test results.

The team studied cells from several different types of cancer to show that the technique was robust in distinguishing cancer cells from non-cancerous tissue. Chang explained that 'the device is designed not only for specialists but also for non-specialists'. He added, 'Considering the low cost for each test, this method will be available for routine screening of cancer. In addition, the test can be done within 20 minutes of sample collection.'

Chang's group now hope for an easy method of sample collection to be developed to allow home screening.

Laura Howes