According to an upcoming research paper, a new diagnostic for breast cancer may be on the horizon. In the paper, Swiss researchers detailed how a special nanoscale microscope can reveal information about breast cancer tissue. According to researchers, breast cancer alternates between soft and stiff parts. Healthy breast tissue, on the other hand, is supposed to be completely stiff.

Based on this knowledge, researchers may be able to determine how a certain cancer will spread. Armed with that data, oncologists can help patients develop an effective chemotherapy program.

In the study, researchers at the University of Basel used a nanoscale microscope to make a very small indentation in a sample of human breast tissue. After this, researchers used an indentation-type atomic force microscope to create an image of what took place. Based on visual information about the indentation, cancerous breast tissue alternates between a soft and stiff state.

Researchers claim that their device will be commercialized within two years. However, some doubt that claim. Some feel that information about tissue texture will not be used to determine a physician’s course-of-action during chemotherapy treatment. However, researchers feel that a nanoscale image will allow physicians to track an individual’s cellular metrics. With that information, researchers feel that the device will prove effective for forecasting the spread of cancerous tissue.

References

http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?sKey=6927ccfb-12ab-49c4-b4fa-71a585ab60ee&cKey=7185cfa8-fc7f-4e52-9cff-558dcd34d863&mKey={763246BB-EBE4-430F-9545-81BC84D0C68C}