Katharina Buczek
Every year in the United States, approximately 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the CDC.
Mammograms, which are often a daunting experience for women, are currently used for early detection and diagnosis of this disease.
However, researchers at the University of Florida have recently created a saliva-based test for detecting breast cancer, and it’s demonstrating encouraging outcomes in its experimental trials. The new, portable device can actually identify biomarkers for cancer using just a small saliva sample.
“Imagine medical staff conducting breast cancer screening in communities or hospitals,” said Hsaio-Hsuan Wan, the study’s lead author.
“Our device is an excellent choice because it is portable– about the size of your hand– and reusable. The testing time is under five seconds per sample, which makes it highly efficient.”
The device operates using paper test strips coated with antibodies designed to react to specific cancer biomarkers. When introduced to a saliva sample, the device sends electric pulses to its contact points.
These pulses facilitate the binding of biomarkers to the antibodies, changing the output signal from the electrode in a way that assesses cancer risk. In contrast, traditional methods like mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRI scans involve significant costs, large equipment, and exposure to low-dose radiation.
Wan also noted how, in numerous areas, particularly developing nations, sophisticated technologies such as MRI for breast cancer screening might not be easily accessible.
“Our technology is more cost-effective, with the test strip costing just a few cents and the reusable circuit board priced at $5,” Wan explained.
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