Diagnosis of cancer is one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine. Early detection saves lives and increases chance of survival. Diagnosis in developing countries even more difficult as basic lab infrastructure may be unavailable.

On average, 70% of people in developing countries do not get diagnosed until a late stage, when treatment is no longer effective. This statistic drives the need for simple and accurate diagnostic technology. Research in early cancer diagnosis has focused on biomarkers.

Biomarkers: molecules that can be used to detect disease. Glycoproteins: class of biomarkers, proteins bound to one or more carbohydrate chains. Useful in detecting cancer and other diseases. Found throughout the body, in blood, mucus, saliva and sperm.

Detection device should be able to take simple sample of blood or urine to detect a cancer in its early stages. Why glycoprotein? Chemical structure of a glycoprotein can be changed by the disease. Makes them ideal as a target for accurately detecting specific diseases.

The new technologies need to be easy to transport and store. Must have more advanced accuracy.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have come up with some clever chemistry that might solve issues with quick diagnosis

• created a method which can identify specific glycoproteins for specific diseases
• detect both the shape of the glycoprotein and its particular chemical fingerprint
• Lock and key method
• Takes a disease biomarker and takes a cast of it
• This glycoprotein is tethered to a surface and detection molecules are assembled around it
• When the glycoprotein is removed, it leaves behind a perfect chemical “cast”
  • Lock therefore is made – and only key that will fit is the specific disease glycoprotein
    • Other glycoproteins won’t be able to bind to the very specific molecules inside the lock
      • This could pave the way for fast and accurate cancer diagnosis
        • Does not rely on antibodies – which means no special storage needed

Technology could be adapted according to what disease you want to detect, not just cancers

• immune deficiencies
• neurodegenerative diseases
• cardiovascular disorders