Scientists Provide Deeper Understanding of Breast Cancer Detection

Scientists have developed a saliva test for breast cancer, showing promising results in preclinical trials.

A team from the University of Florida and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan created a handheld device that detects breast cancer markers from a small saliva sample. Their research was published in the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B.

“This device could revolutionize breast cancer screening in communities or hospitals,” said Hsiao-Hsuan Wan, a UF doctoral student in Chemical Engineering and the study’s lead author. “It’s portable, roughly the size of your hand, and reusable. Each test takes less than five seconds, making it highly efficient.”

The test involves placing saliva on a treated test strip containing specific antibodies that react to cancer biomarkers. Electrical impulses are then sent to the biosensor device’s contact points. The signals are measured and converted into digital data indicating the presence of biomarkers. Wan emphasized that the results are quick and easy to interpret.

In testing, the device successfully differentiated between healthy breast tissue, early-stage breast cancer, and advanced breast cancer in a small group of 21 women. The biosensor design utilizes commonly available components like glucose testing strips and the Arduino open-source hardware-software platform.