Ultra-sensitive sensors for the detection of onset metastatic cancers from blood samples

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Cancer metastasis refers to cancer cell spread to tissues and organs beyond tumor origin and the formation of new tumors. The process is a cascade of biological events that are unclear due to its complex nature. Detecting early-stage metastasis remains challenging. Despite recent clinical treatment advances, metastasis is the most life-threatening event for cancer patients. In recent years, blood samples containing tumor and tumor stem cells, have gained intense research interest, for their possibility to accurately portray metastasis in real-time. However, sophisticated protocols of existing blood test technologies is of low sensitivity and requires isolation, a major roadblocks in detection of metastasis.This collaboration merges the technological invention of Ryerson University (RU) with findings in cancer cascading from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (UWM) to develop a quantum-sensor based diagnostic tool to detect cancer metastasis onset with a simple dry-lab blood test. We will investigate cancer metastasis cascades at a molecular level to identify markers for early stage cancer metastasis diagnosis. Results will have potential to radically change blood-based diagnostic approaches and create a low-cost, easy-to-operate, rapid diagnostic method that captures cancer metastasis onset with blood as a primary source of information.Findings will lead to a minimally invasive, broadly available clinical assessment tool for routine bedside use, applicable to most common types of cancer, for highly accurate point-of-care diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, saving lives, and reducing costs of cancer treatment. New spin-off businesses to manufacture the device will generate employment opportunities in mechanical engineering and biomedical industries, strengthening Canada's economic base and economic growth.