Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Prediction
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a microfluidic device that assesses how “sticky” tumor cells are, potentially predicting whether early-stage breast cancer will spread. This innovative approach could help doctors identify high-risk patients and personalize treatments more effectively.
How the Device Works
The device sorts tumor cells by pushing them through fluid-filled chambers and measuring how well they adhere to the chamber walls. In trials involving patients at different breast cancer stages, researchers found a clear pattern: cells from aggressive cancers were weakly adherent (less sticky), while those from less aggressive cancers were strongly adherent (more sticky).
Key Findings Published
As reported by medicalxpress, the study, published on March 5 in Cell Reports, builds on previous research by bioengineering professor Adam Engler and Dr. Anne Wallace, director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Moores Cancer Center. Their earlier work demonstrated that weakly adherent tumor cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues. This new research takes the findings further by testing patient tumor samples and analyzing their adhesion variability.
Implications for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
The team focused on ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early-stage breast cancer that often remains harmless but can sometimes become invasive. Since current clinical decisions rely on tumor size and grade—factors that do not always predict behavior—this adhesion-based model could provide a more reliable method for identifying high-risk cases.
“Having a way to predict which DCIS will become aggressive could help us avoid over-treating some patients while ensuring that high-risk cases receive necessary interventions,” Wallace said.
Innovative Testing Method
The palm-sized device contains microfluidic chambers coated with adhesive proteins like fibronectin, mimicking breast tissue. When tumor cells are introduced, they adhere to the coating. As fluid flows through the chambers, researchers apply increasing shear stress to determine at what point cells detach. This process classifies them as weakly or strongly adherent.
Promising Trial Results
Researchers tested the device on tumor samples from 16 patients, including normal breast tissue, DCIS tumors, and invasive carcinomas. Their findings confirmed that aggressive cancers contained weakly adherent cells, while normal tissue had strongly adherent cells. DCIS samples varied significantly, suggesting differences in their potential to progress to invasive cancer.
“The heterogeneity among DCIS patients is striking,” said co-first author Madison Kane, a bioengineering Ph.D. student. “Some patients had strongly adherent cells, while others had weakly adherent ones, indicating a higher risk of underdiagnosis.”
Future Research and Clinical Applications
The team plans to follow DCIS patients over the next five years to determine whether adhesion strength correlates with cancer progression. If their hypothesis proves correct, oncologists could use this device to recommend targeted treatments for high-risk patients before metastasis occurs.
“Our goal is to identify patients at the highest risk early so we can intervene before cancer spreads,” Engler said.
A Collaborative Effort
This breakthrough resulted from a strong partnership between Engler’s bioengineering team and Wallace’s clinical team at Moores Cancer Center, which provided patient samples and expertise. Their collaboration underscores the importance of integrating engineering and medicine to advance cancer diagnostics.
“Working with Moores Cancer Center has been invaluable in bringing this technology closer to clinical use,” Engler said.
This novel device could revolutionize breast cancer care by offering a more precise method to predict and prevent disease progression, ultimately improving patient outcomes.