New Technology In Cancer Research
- Evergreen Chapter
- Sep 8, 2023
- 8 min read
Tanish Patel, Debanshi Mishra, Ha Le
CRISPR - Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats:
Since cancer is caused by changes in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), gene editing tools are the logical course of action for manipulating DNA to resolve these changes. CRISPR is a relatively newly developed tool used in genetic engineering and gene editing and is especially prevalent in the field of cancer research. “‘CRISPR is becoming a mainstream methodology used in many cancer biology studies because of the convenience of the technique,’ said Jerry Li, M.D., Ph.D., of NCI’s [National Cancer Institute] Division of Cancer Biology (NCI Staff 2020).”
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CRISPR was based on a natural defense mechanism found in certain microbes. Microbes, such as bacteria, capture parts of the DNA of dangerous pathogens such as viruses and store them as segments known as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), from which the gene-editing tool derives its name. These DNA pieces are then turned into short bits of ribonucleic acid (RNA) which help the Cas enzyme locate and eliminate the pathogen’s DNA if it tries to invade the microbe again. This defense mechanism was adapted by scientists into a versatile gene-editing tool that can manipulate almost any DNA segment, initially in other microbes, but now in humans as well.
The CRISPR gene-editing tool is made up of a guide RNA and a DNA-cutting enzyme, usually Cas-9. Cas-9 is a type of CRISPR-associated protein, a type of endonuclease that cuts both DNA strands and is directed to its target by an RNA section. Once the DNA is cut, in some cases, the gene is deactivated as its DNA is scrambled while it is being repaired. In other cases, scientists are able to alter the gene by adding DNA segments or editing individual DNA letters. Whatever happens is dependent on the type of CRISPR tool being utilized. Furthermore, CRISPR can be used to detect targets, including DNA from viruses that cause cancer or RNA from other cancer cells. Overall, CRISPR is revolutionary in the realm of gene editing and cancer research as it is easier to use, is customizable, and faster than most technologies. CRISPR is also more precise and adaptable, being able to alter almost any DNA segment, and can be scaled up to work on thousands of genes simultaneously, making it an indispensable technological advancement in cancer research. Since the first trial in the United States in 2019, CRISPR has undergone several more clinical trials, and improvements while new discoveries are constantly being made.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Along with CRISPR, Artificial intelligence is a relatively recent technological advancement that has a multitude of applications, one being in cancer research. According to the NCI, “Artificial intelligence refers to computer programs, or algorithms, that use data to make decisions or predictions. To build an algorithm, scientists might create a set of rules, or instructions, for the computer to follow so it can analyze data and make a decision (NCI Staff 2022).” AI allows scientists to gain a deeper understanding of life-threatening diseases, including cancer, by diagnosing cancer more accurately and consistently, as well as reducing errors in the diagnosis. Predictive AI-generated models are being used to analyze risk factors and estimate the likelihood of an individual obtaining cancer. Artificial intelligence also aids in developing personalized treatments for cancer patients, ones with fewer side effects and severities than generalized therapies. Although AI is not yet fully understood by biologists and not fully accessible, once these barriers are overcome, artificial intelligence will become a critical tool in the fight against cancer.
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Studies show that “AI has the potential to improve the speed, accuracy, and reliability with which doctors diagnose cancer, and answer questions such as ‘Is it cancer or a harmless lump? If it’s cancer, how fast is it growing? Is it growing back after treatment? How far has it spread?’” (NCI Staff 2022). Artificial intelligence has the power to conduct diagnosis of cancer and interpret data at much faster speeds than humans are able to, and with greater accuracy as well. Furthermore, subjective tasks such as image interpretation can be conducted by AI in a more objective manner, making them more reliable. Not only can AI do tasks in the medical industry more efficiently than humans, but it also has the potential to go beyond human limitations. Artificial intelligence can recognize complex patterns and relationships among seemingly different sets of data, but since this is not able to be done by humans, it is difficult to check whether AI is correct or not.
Most AI tools for cancer imaging have been through several tests, and proven accurate in early phases, but have not reached further phases of testing that guarantee safe real-world applications. Artificial intelligence tools must pass enough validation tests to be used more widely, but until then, scientists are optimistic about the future of artificial intelligence in cancer research and imaging.
Telehealth:
A ground-breaking development in healthcare known as telehealth, also referred to as telemedicine, uses technology to deliver medical treatments remotely. It enables patients to communicate with medical staff members including doctors, nurses, or therapists via secure messaging platforms through video chats, or phone conversations. Due to its capacity to go beyond geographical limitations,it has increased healthcare access for people living in rural or underserved areas. This practical and accessible approach to healthcare has grown significantly in popularity in recent years.
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One of the main benefits of telehealth is its convenience. Patients can make virtual appointments from the convenience of their homes, avoiding long trips and cutting down on waiting time. Additionally, by permitting consistent check-ins and follow-up, telehealth can
improve continuity of treatment. Telehealth also ensures that medical services are more accessible and convenient for everyone.
Robotic Surgery:
Robotic surgery is a newer revolutionary medical method in which surgeons employ specialized robots to help them carry out accurate and least intrusive operations. Robotic surgery uses small robotic arms with tiny surgical instruments connected to them, in contrast to traditional surgery, which involves the surgeon performing the procedure directly with their hands. Highly competent surgeons operate from a console in the operating room to control these robots. Greater control and precision are made possible by this technology, which helps patients have less discomfort, quicker recoveries, and smaller incisions.
The potential of robotic surgery to improve the capability and precision of the surgeon is one of its main benefits. The robotic arms' extraordinarily accurate movements let surgeons access challenging bodily regions with very little harm to neighboring tissues. This is especially useful for delicate operations like heart surgery, where precision is crucial. Additionally, the three-dimensional imagery offered by robotic systems enables surgeons to view the surgical site in great detail, enhancing their ability to make precise incisions and carry out complex operations.
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Additionally, robotic surgery helps patients recover quickly and experience less discomfort than regular surgery. Less bodily stress from smaller incisions means less pain and discomfort after surgery. Additionally, compared to open surgeries, patients who have robotic procedures frequently have shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to their regular activities. While robotic surgery is an exciting development in medicine, it is important to remember that not all medical problems are appropriate for it. A team of healthcare specialists must decide whether to use this technology in each individual instance.
Liquid/Fluid Biopsy:
Liquid biopsy tests cancer cells/DNA called “ctDNA” or “cfDNA” (“circulating tumor/cell free DNA”) in bodily fluids such as: blood, urine, and saliva. It was first introduced in 1869 by Australian physician, Thomas Ashworth, when he suggested that cancerous tumor cells could spill into the bloodstream. However, it was not until 2010 when the term was coined by doctors Catherine Alix-Panabières and Klaus Pantel, and 2013 when the FDA approved the first liquid biopsy test. Today, researchers are testing its potential to detect all cancers and while constantly developing new technology to aid it. Despite the limits of liquid biopsy to detect certain types of cancers, it is helpful in detecting non-small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia.
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To perform a liquid biopsy, blood or urine is extracted from a patient and sent to a laboratory. In the laboratory, highly sensitive machines are used to detect ctDNA or cfDNA in the blood/urine due to its low concentration in the liquid. If detected, ctDNA or cfDNA goes through a five stage extraction process, which includes the procedure for separating and cleansing the cell from noncancerous cells. The cancer DNA/cell will then be further studied to determine its cancer type before the patient is informed of their diagnosis.
Wearable Health Monitors/Implanted and Digestible Sensors:
Wearable, implanted, and digestible health monitors are important devices to which can detect the status of their health or disease. Wearable health monitors, such as smartwatches, are health monitors that deal with skin-to-skin contact. They utilize pressure from the device to the skin to detect heart rates, blood pressures, and respiratory rates.
Implanted health monitors, on the other hand, are devices that can be surgically placed inside a body to regulate any bodily functions. An example of this type of health monitor is the implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD) which is a relatively small battery-powered device that connects to the heart. By connecting to the heart, abnormal heart rhythms can be detected and electric waves can be used as a shock to return the heart rhythm back to normal.
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Digestible health monitors are pill-like devices that people ingest to monitor gut health. These devices use sensors to detect data on different parts of the digestive system, such as enzymes, structures that help speed up chemical reactions inside the body, and hormones.
Despite the current limitations that come with what these devices can detect, health monitors are improving alongside world technology. Similar to people’s personal devices, health monitors are closely monitored for any mishaps during patient usage. The feedback collected from the patients can be used to support further developments. Such developments can range from more accurate readings of people’s health status to convenience in everyday life.
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