top of page

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Search using the keywords or anything you remember to find information on our cancer research, technologies, clinical insights, and innovations across the Actorius website.

Search this site

96 results found with an empty search

  • OncoMetastat® | Filtering Cancer. Fighting Metastasis.

    OncoMetastat® is an extracorporeal blood-processing platform engineered to selectively capture and deplete circulating tumor cells — designed to delay cancer metastasis in early stage cancers. Investigational Device Capturing the Cells that Matter. OncoMetastat® is an extracorporeal blood-processing platform engineered to selectively capture and deplete circulating tumor cells — designed to delay cancer metastasis in early stage cancers. Explore the device View clinical data Meet us at ISLB 2026 | November 7-9, 2026 | Madrid, Spain 300+ Patients samples processed 94.4% Sensitivity (vs OncoDiscover®) 9+ Cancer types tested The OncoMetastat® device OncoMetastat® Device For research use only. Safety and effectiveness have not been established. OncoMetastat® Digital Screen and pump OncoMetastat® Components The OncoMetastat® technology aims to pioneer an innovative, research-driven strategy as a new therapeutic direction in preventing and delaying cancer metastasis. Know More Our Publications In collaboration with researchers and thought leaders around the world, OncoMetastat® combines scientific expertise with cutting-edge innovation to advance the frontiers of cancer care. The research behind the technology is supported by 100+ scientific publications presented at leading global forums such as ASCO, AACR, ESMO, ISLB, etc Read our publications Latest from OncoMetastat® Explore the latest updates, research perspectives, announcements, and stories shaping our work. View all updates 1 Sept 2026 Longitudinal Assessment of Circulating Tumor Cells Expressing PD-L1 and Clusters in Esophageal Cancer Patients A longitudinal study of 110 esophageal cancer patients evaluated CTCs, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters, highlighting their potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment outcomes and occult minimal cellular residual disease. Read More 30 Aug 2026 Detection of Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 in Circulating Tumor Cells for Dynamic Treatment Decision in Prostate Cancer Patients This study evaluated AR-V7 in CTCs and clusters from prostate cancer patients, highlighting its potential to predict ARSI resistance and support dynamic treatment decisions. Read More 30 Aug 2026 Algorithm based analysis of circulating tumour cells in cancer patients A study evaluating CellMatrics, a Python-based automated image analysis algorithm for CTC detection, demonstrated rapid and robust concordance with manual CTC analysis across blood samples from 32 cancer patients. Read More OncoMetastat® in Action Stay updated with our latest events, scientific discussions, collaborations, and milestones that continue to shape the future of cancer research and innovation. View all events 7 Nov 2026 ISLB Annual Congress 2026 Read More 23 Apr 2026 AACR 2026 Highlights | April 17-22 | San Diego, California Read More 20 Feb 2026 Meeting with our International KOLs Read More Be informed. Be a fighter. In the News Explore how OncoMetastat® is making headlines in cancer research, diagnostics and therapeutics. View all mentions 17 Mar 2026 Actorius Innovations pioneers' oncology care with its OncoDiscover and OncoMetastat solutions Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations in Cancer Detection and Metastasis Control Read More 17 Mar 2026 Actorius Innovations pioneers' oncology care with its OncoDiscover and OncoMetastat solutions Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations in Cancer Detection and Metastasis Control Read More 14 Mar 2026 Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations in Cancer Detection and Metastasis Control Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt Ltd, a pioneering Indo-US biotechnology company revolutionizing oncology through advanced circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies, continues to make significant strides under the visionary leadership of Dr. Jayant Khandare, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Scientific Officer. Read More © Copyright Actorius Innovations and Research

  • ASCO 2022: Correlation of circulating tumor cells as a positive interventional biomarker in cancer patients | OncoMetastat

    Publications | 7 June 2022 ASCO 2022: Correlation of circulating tumor cells as a positive interventional biomarker in cancer patients Ayurveda therapy significantly reduced CTC counts and improved quality of life in a study of 72 patients across 17 cancer types. Background Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a predictive biomarker for accounting for disease progression and for minimal residual disease (MRD). The effect of conventional anticancer therapy on CTC count is well documented; however, there is a paucity of data related to the effect of CAM-based modalities on CTC count in cancer patients. This study provides a preliminary observation about the effect of Ayurveda therapy on CTC count. Methods The retrospective study involved the stratification of 72 cancer patients undergoing cancer and maintenance treatment in a non-conventional, Ayurveda cancer treatment center in India. For monitoring of prognosis in cancer patients, CTC count was assessed in patients attending the Rasayu Cancer Clinic. Seventeen cancer types were included, namely, breast cancer, cervix and ovarian cancer, bladder, lung, head and neck squamous carcinoma, follicular thyroid, diffuse B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s, colorectal, hepatocellular, stomach with abdominal metastasis, metastatic prostate cancer, SCC with lung and skeletal metastasis, etc. A total of 33 (46%) male and 39 (54.1%) female patients of various types and stages were analyzed for the presence of CTCs retrospectively. CTCs were isolated and enumerated from 1.5 ml of the patient’s blood sample using the OncoDiscover Liquid Biopsy Technology platform enriched with an anti-EpCAM antibody immunomagnetic kit, approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). CTCs were confirmed for cytokeratin 18+ (CK18), DAPI+, and CD45-. Subsequently, CTCs were imaged using a Zeiss Axio Observer 7 fluorescence microscope. In 28 patients (50%), CTCs were accounted for at both pre- and post-treatment over a duration of 3-6 months. Twenty-eight patients were assessed for quality of life measured by the FACT-G questionnaire. The outcome was quantified for clinicopathological parameters: age/gender, cancer types, and CTC distribution. Results The mean and median CTC distribution was observed to be 15.34 and 12.5, respectively. Eight percent of patients showed the absence of any CTCs (6 subjects: 1 male and 5 females), while 32 males (96%) and 34 females (87%) showed the presence of CTCs. The correlation coefficient of CTC presence in males and females was significant at 0.4799 (p < 0.05). The Ayurveda Rasayana therapy showed a significant reduction in post-interventional CTC count (-3.94 ± 1.2) (p = 0.02). In addition, this group of patients also showed significant improvement in health-related quality of life as measured by the FACT-G questionnaire (p < 0.05). Conclusions CTCs are a validated predictive biomarker for accounting for minimal residual disease, both in pre- and post-cancer treatments. The enumeration of CTCs represents an effective prognostic biomarker in assessing disease progression. A reduction in CTC count was seen to be associated with an improvement in health-related quality of life (QoL), which needs to be investigated further to establish a firm correlation. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • Manuscript: Role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) | OncoMetastat

    Manuscript | 20 July 2023 Manuscript: Role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) This study highlights the utility of CTCs as a disease progression monitoring tool in recurrent HNSCC patients. Our findings suggest the potential clinical utility of CTCs and the need for further exploration in upfront settings of the disease as well (NCT: CTRL/2020/02/023378). Background: Liquid biopsy is emerging as a non-invasive tool that provides a personalized snapshot of primary and metastatic tumors. It aids in detecting early metastasis, recurrence, or resistance to the disease. We aimed to assess the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) as a predictive biomarker in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, specifically head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methodology: Thirty-five patients receiving palliative chemotherapy underwent blood sampling (2 mL in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) vial) at baseline and at 3-month intervals. The CTCs were isolated and evaluated using anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody-based enrichment with the OncoDiscover platform. Results: CTCs were isolated from 80% of patients (n = 28), showing sensitivity of cell detection at baseline and at 3-month intervals. The median CTC count was 1 per 1.5 mL of blood, and the concordance with clinicoradiological outcomes was 51.4%. The median CTC count declined at 3 months in responders (1 (range: 0–4) to 0 (range: 0–1)), while non-responders showed an increase in levels (0 (range: 0–2) to 1 (range: 0–3)). Although CTCs positively correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), the association did not show a significant difference between CTC-positive and CTC-negative patients at 3 months (PFS: 6 months versus 4 months; hazard ratio: 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29–1.58, p = 0.323; OS: 10 months versus 8 months; hazard ratio: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.18–1.57; p = 0.216). Conclusion: This study highlights the utility of CTCs as a disease progression monitoring tool in recurrent HNSCC patients. Our findings suggest the potential clinical utility of CTCs and the need for further exploration in upfront settings of the disease as well (NCT: CTRL/2020/02/023378). View Manuscript Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • AACR 2024: Evaluation of HER-2 expression on circulating tumor cells as a real time biomarker in advanced breast cancer | OncoMetastat

    Publications | 10 April 2024 AACR 2024: Evaluation of HER-2 expression on circulating tumor cells as a real time biomarker in advanced breast cancer HER2 analysis on circulating tumor cells using the OncoDiscover® platform enables real-time, non-invasive profiling for improved metastatic breast cancer treatment decisions. Introduction: Breast cancer accounts for 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide. Cases classified as HER2-positive tend to proliferate, metastasize, and often lead to relapse. HER2 is one of the most valid tumor markers and is widely used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Thus, analyzing the expression of HER2 on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can offer a real-time dynamic biomarker for guiding treatment options between endocrine therapy and chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer. Functional assays on CTCs with the HER2 biomarker offer evolving diagnostic opportunities, especially when tissue samples are not accessible or are inadequate. Methods: Retrospectively, blood samples from 179 breast cancer patients were analyzed for the presence of CTCs using the OncoDiscover® platform approved by the Drug Controller General of India (CDSCO). The platform consists of an immunomagnetic multi-component system mediated by anti-EpCAM antibodies. The isolated cells were immunostained using the nuclear dye DAPI along with CK18, CD45, and HER2 antibodies. CTCs were identified by the presence of HER2-positive, CK18-positive, DAPI-positive, and CD45-negative staining. Validation of HER2 expression on CTCs was analyzed based on the linear intensity gradients of fluorescence signals. CTCs were termed HER2-negative when weak or no detectable fluorescence signal was observed and HER2-positive when high fluorescence signals were detected. Results: Among the cohort of 179 patient samples, 63.68% of samples showed the presence of CTCs, with counts ranging from 1–7 CTCs. Among these, 47.84% of the detected CTCs showed HER2 expression. The mean fluorescence intensity value for HER2 expression in CTCs was found to be 3.23. The observed fluorescence intensity further emphasizes the robustness of CTCs as a viable source for molecular characterization. Conclusion: Integration of HER2 analysis on CTCs into the clinical assessment of metastatic breast cancer may offer a non-invasive, real-time strategy for tumor profiling and may help pave the way for more precise and tailored therapeutic interventions. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • ESMO 2021: Validation of Cytokeratin (CK18) Protein Expression in Epithelial Cell lines and in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) | OncoMetastat

    Publications | 9 October 2021 ESMO 2021: Validation of Cytokeratin (CK18) Protein Expression in Epithelial Cell lines and in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) Study shows significant CK18 expression variance across different cancer cell lines and CTCs, highlighting the need for regulated enumeration tools. Background CTCs predict an unfavourable prognosis and outcomes in cancers. Lowering of cytokeratin 18 expression is a hallmark of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Homogeneity and validation of CK18 expression in cancer cell lines and CTCs originating from distinct solid tumors is indeterminate and may contribute to non-specific counts. We hypothesize that the expression of CK18 in varied cell lines may differ quantitatively, and additionally may exhibit similar trends in CTCs enumerated from different tumor types. Methods CK18 variance in epithelial cell lines (e.g., A549+, MCF-7+, and MEF-) (n=192,269 cells) and CTCs (n=63) of different phenotypes was analyzed and compared. The fluorescence intensity was measured post-immunostaining, using motorized-automated, computer-assisted scanning, and through a customized ImageJ macro tool. The effect of anti-CK18 concentrations (0.06-6 μg/ml) and binding constants (Kb) was measured across all cell lines. CTCs were enumerated from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients' blood samples (CTRI/2018/03/012905) and from clinical samples (e.g., breast, lung, colorectal (CRC), ovarian) using the clinically relevant OncoDiscover platform. Results CK18 mapping revealed diverse fluorescence intensities distribution in three cell lines, as well as in HNSCC, lung, breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer CTCs (Table). In addition, the protein binding assay showed 8.65 x 10^3 Kb (M^-1) for MCF7 and 7.9 x 10^3 for A549 cells indicating concentration-dependent binding for CK18 expressing proteins on cells and may be varied in CTCs of different cancer types. Compared to the CK- cell line (MEF), the normalized CK18 intensity was higher by 290% and 310%, respectively, in MCF7 (breast) and A549 (lung) cells, demonstrating the variation in CK18 expression. On the other hand, CTCs showed significant diversity in CK18 expression with buccal mucosa revealing the lowest (67%), while CTCs of CRC origin demonstrated the highest expression (320%) (Table). CK18 intensity was represented across the cell lines and on CTCs enumerated from different cancer types. Conclusions Non-regulated CTC enumeration platforms pre-requisite critical validations to eliminate the non-specificity of CTC counts, which are highly imperative to clinical decisions in cancer management. Clinical Trial Identification CTRI/2018/03/012905. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • ISLB 2024: Transit of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Post Radiotherapy at Irradiated Tumor Regions in Pan-cancer Patients | OncoMetastat

    Publications | 25 November 2024 ISLB 2024: Transit of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Post Radiotherapy at Irradiated Tumor Regions in Pan-cancer Patients Study links radiotherapy exposure with circulating tumor cells and PD-L1 expression, indicating possible minimal residual disease and metastatic risk. Introduction The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a predictor of minimal residual disease (MRD) and treatment outcomes. Abscopal effects of targeted intraoperative radiotherapy have been observed clinically, and the tumor microenvironment may influence these outcomes. Recent reports have shown activation and transit of CTCs following simulated radiotherapy from irradiated regions in vitro. Thus, the cellular extravasation and invasion phenotype cascade of CTCs in irradiated tumor regions could be highly concerning and raises several clinical questions. For the first time, we retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent radiotherapy to observe a clinical correlation between the presence of CTCs and overexpression of the PD-L1 protein in blood circulation as an indicator of minimal residual disease and a potential radiotherapy-associated effect. Methods A cohort of 26 pan-cancer patients (female = 10, male = 16) was analyzed, including cases of colorectal cancer (n = 4), lung cancer (n = 4), endometrial cancer (n = 4), head and neck cancer (n = 4), pancreatic cancer (n = 1), ovarian cancer (n = 1), renal cell carcinoma (n = 4), breast cancer (n = 2), and bone cancer (n = 2). Blood samples were analyzed retrospectively based on clinical and treatment history. Enumeration of CTCs was performed using the immunomagnetic multi-component OncoDiscover platform approved by CDSCO India, mediated by anti-EpCAM antibodies. CTCs were identified based on the presence of CK18+, PD-L1+, DAPI+, and CD45− staining using an automated Zeiss microscope in 1.5 ml of blood samples. Results In the retrospective analysis, a total of 88% (23/26) of patients showed the presence of CTCs in 1.5 ml of blood. Among these patients, 46% (n = 12/26) had undergone radiotherapy at some point during their treatment history. Three patients had received focused radiotherapy for brain metastasis with primary cancers of head and neck (1 case) and endometrium (2 cases). Among patients who underwent radiotherapy, 88% (8/9) were observed to have at least one CTC along with PD-L1 overexpression in at least one CTC. In addition, one patient who underwent radiotherapy showed the presence of a CTC cluster. Conclusions For the first time, we demonstrate the association of CTCs following radiotherapy in irradiated tumor regions. The disseminated CTCs may enhance tumor cell reinvasion through active transit in circulation, supported by a favorable microenvironmental milieu. Further validation with larger clinical cohorts across multiple cancer types is required. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • Profiling of PD-L1 and HER2 over expression on cancer cells using AI based macro-driven automation | OncoMetastat

    Publications | 16 September 2025 Profiling of PD-L1 and HER2 over expression on cancer cells using AI based macro-driven automation AI-based image analysis rapidly profiles circulating tumor cells, quantifying morphology and biomarkers like PD-L1 and HER2 for cancer research. Abstract Background Extravasation, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, metastasis progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance are driven by phenotypic alterations in cancer cells. Assessing cell morphology, stiffness, and deformability is therefore crucial. The expression of PD-L1, HER2, EGFR, and cytokeratins (CKs) serves as key phenotypic biomarkers for precision oncology. We developed an AI-based image analysis tool that rapidly captures these transitions in cell assays, including specific protein biomarkers expressed on circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Methods We extended an ImageJ macro to enable rapid and reproducible extraction of biophysical parameters. The macro processes .lif, .nd2, and .czi file formats, using DAPI for nuclear segmentation and fluorophore-conjugated antibodies to delineate cytoplasmic boundaries. We evaluated automatic channel detection, intensity normalization, Otsu thresholding, and per-cell quantification of parameters such as surface area, circularity index (CI), and mean fluorescence intensity. Violin plots illustrated temporal variations in CI across A549 and MCF7 cells. Validation was conducted on CTCs isolated from cancer patient samples (n = 100) for PD-L1 and HER2 expression. Results The macro reduced image processing time from 7 minutes to 3 seconds per sample. A549 cells showed higher and more consistent CI values across all time points, while MCF7 cells demonstrated lower CI with greater variability, particularly at 24 and 72 hours. Quantitative measurements of PD-L1 and HER2 expression showed 100% concordance between the ImageJ macro and Zeiss software outputs, confirming analytical accuracy. CK18 intensity (~60–400) and PD-L1 (~20–50) levels measured by both platforms validated the macro’s ability to detect a wide range of marker expression in CTC subsets. CTCs exhibited higher CI values and greater morphological heterogeneity, consistent with their invasive phenotype. Conclusions We present an AI-driven macro that quantifies the biophysical characteristics of cancer cells, enabling precise phenotypic profiling, including circularity index, proliferation rates, and overexpression of biomarkers such as PD-L1 and HER2 in both cultured cell lines and patient-derived CTCs. View Publication Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • Manuscript: Circulating tumor cells as a predictor for poor prognostic factors and overall survival in treatment nay¨ve oral squamous cell carcinoma patients | OncoMetastat

    Manuscript | 1 July 2022 Manuscript: Circulating tumor cells as a predictor for poor prognostic factors and overall survival in treatment nay¨ve oral squamous cell carcinoma patients Preoperative circulating tumor cell levels strongly correlate with metastasis, disease severity, and reduced survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their correlation with prognostic factors and clinical outcomes in treatment-naive patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Study design: CTCs were isolated using the OncoDiscover technique from presurgically obtained peripheral blood of 152 patients with treatment-naive oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sensitivity analysis was performed by including 40 healthy controls. CTC cutoff values for clinicopathologic factors were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curves. Multivariate models determined the significance of CTCs as independent variables. Kaplan–Meier analysis differentiated overall survival based on CTC values corresponding to disease stage. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CTC detection were 94.32%, 98%, and 95.17%, respectively. The platform differentiated true positives at >3.5 CTCs (P < .00001). CTC counts above 20.5 were suggestive of nodal metastasis (P < .0001), with a linear trend for detecting occult metastasis (P = .061). Early and advanced stages could be differentiated by >13.5 CTCs (P < .0001). Elevated CTC levels were significantly associated with extranodal extension (>21.45 CTCs, P = .025), perineural invasion (>19.35 CTCs, P = .049), and depth of invasion (>12.5 CTCs, P = .0038). Median survival was reduced by 19 months when CTC levels were >13. Conclusions: Preoperative CTC levels demonstrated a strong correlation with adverse clinicopathologic factors and suggested their role as a sensitive prognostic marker for predicting survival outcomes and disease progression. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2022;134:73–83) View Manuscript Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • Manuscript: Self-propelled Carbon Nanotube Based Microrockets for Rapid Capture and Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells | OncoMetastat

    Manuscript | 13 April 2015 Manuscript: Self-propelled Carbon Nanotube Based Microrockets for Rapid Capture and Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells Self-propelled CNT microrockets rapidly capture and magnetically isolate circulating tumor cells, enabling faster liquid biopsy and early cancer detection. We demonstrated a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-based microrocket that propels efficiently through the thrust generated by oxygen (O₂) bubbles. These self-propelled microrockets exhibit ultrafast propulsion in aqueous solutions as well as in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM). The microrocket generated a driving force of over 231 and 300 pN in DMEM containing 4% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The speed and distance traveled by the microrocket can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of H₂O₂. The designed multifunctional microrocket has the ability to (i) rapidly target (~5 minutes) and efficiently capture (~85%) transferrin receptor–positive (TfR⁺) cancer cells from an artificial CTC-like suspension, (ii) magnetically isolate the captured cells from peripheral blood cells, and (iii) enable subsequent high-resolution imaging. We envision that such self-powered micromotors could provide a novel and effective approach for the rapid and efficient extraction of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from biological fluids, supporting early cancer diagnosis and detection of recurrence. View Manuscript Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • Manuscript: Bioinspired Materials for Wearable Devices and Point-of-Care Testing of Cancer | OncoMetastat

    Manuscript | 27 April 2022 Manuscript: Bioinspired Materials for Wearable Devices and Point-of-Care Testing of Cancer Raj Shankar Hazra, Md Rakib Hasan Khan, Narendra Kale, Tabassum Tanha, Jayant Khandare, Sabha Ganai, and Mohiuddin Quadir* Wearable, point-of-care diagnostics, and biosensors are on the verge of bringing transformative changes in detection, management, and treatment of cancer. Bioinspired materials with new forms and functions have frequently been used, in both translational and commercial spaces, to fabricate such diagnostic platforms. Engineered from organic or inorganic molecules, bioinspired systems are naturally equipped with biorecognition and stimuli-sensitive properties. Mechanisms of action of bioinspired materials are deeply connected with thermodynamically or kinetically controlled self-assembly at the molecular and supramolecular levels. Thus, integration ofbioinspired materials into wearable devices, either as triggers or sensors, brings about unique device properties usable for detection, capture, or rapid readout for an analyte of interest. In this review, we present the basic principles and mechanisms of action of diagnostic devices engineered from bioinspired materials, describe current advances, and discuss future trends of the field, particularly in the context of cancer. View Manuscript Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • ASCO 2022: Extracorporeal microchannel device to capture and eliminate circulating tumor cells from cancer patient’s blood. | OncoMetastat

    Publications | 7 June 2022 ASCO 2022: Extracorporeal microchannel device to capture and eliminate circulating tumor cells from cancer patient’s blood. A 3D-printed G-EpCAM device successfully captured over 85% of CTCs with minimal hemolysis, offering a new way to stem metastatic progression. Background Metastatic progression accounts for nearly 90% of cancer-related deaths and has been directly correlated with the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in numerous carcinomas, including breast, lung, ovarian, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. The removal of CTCs from cancer patients' blood is directly implicated in the reduction of extravasation and disease invasiveness to secondary organs. Methods We designed and printed 3-dimensional (3D) microchannel devices using a biocompatible polymer and packed them with anti-EpCAM (EpCAM) mediated glass-based (G) compositions (G-EpCAM). Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis simulation was explored to optimize the hemodynamic effect of the G-EpCAM device for measuring the pressure and velocity difference for blood along the spiral flow microchannels. Red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis was estimated using G-EpCAM compositions packed in a device to determine optimal biocompatibility. We assessed cancer cell lines' (breast cancer MCF7, lung cancer A549) interactions and capture with varying incubation time points, the effect of anti-EpCAM concentrations, the number of G-EpCAMs, and series of devices. We evaluated the G-EpCAM-on-device's CTC capture capability and biocompatibility using head and neck, colorectal, lung, and ductal breast cancer patients' blood samples. All G-EpCAM captured CTCs were immunostained for cytokeratin 18 (CK18) expression, and the optimal fluorescence acquisition intensity was quantified. Results The extracorporeal G-EpCAM microchannel device was 3D printed and consisted of an interlocking top lid and bottom base with inlet and outlet channels. The path length of the spiral device consisted of 20 microchannels with a 6.0-foot length. The device accommodated 28 gm of non-hemolytic G-EpCAM compositions. CFD analysis showed 3.8 mm as the ideal channel diameter and 2 mm as the superlative G-EpCAM diameter for maximal cell and CTC capture with minimal blood hemolysis (less than 1%) as compared to the control. Series 1 and 2 devices indicated 90% and 85% cell capture efficiency, respectively, using G-EpCAM devices, indicating the highest interactions and efficiency with cells. Conversely, the first device in the series captured the highest number of cells. In addition, the efficiency improved as the number of G-EpCAM compositions was increased. We accounted for the device to capture CTCs with specificity using the G-EpCAM composition and observed no hemolysis or non-specific interactions with other blood cells like RBCs or leukocytes. Conclusions Continuous CTC removal from cancer patients' blood circulation using such a device offers promising therapeutic utility in stemming aggressive metastatic invasion and progression for improving the overall survival of epithelial origin cancer patients. Clinical Trial Information CTRI U1111/1192-3951. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

  • Manuscript: Chemical tunability of advanced materials used in the fabrication of micro/nanobots | OncoMetastat

    Manuscript | 11 April 2023 Manuscript: Chemical tunability of advanced materials used in the fabrication of micro/nanobots Review on chemically tunable micro- and nanobots for targeted nanomedicine, highlighting AI materials, applications, and biosafety considerations. Micro and nanobots (MNBs) are unprecedented in their ability to be chemically tuned for autonomous tasks with enhanced targeting and functionality while maintaining their mobility. A myriad of chemical modifications involving a large variety of advanced materials has been demonstrated to be effective in the design of MNBs. Furthermore, they can be controlled for autonomous motion and for their ability to carry chemical or biological payloads. In addition, MNBs can be modified to achieve targetability with specificity for biological applications. However, MNBs, by virtue of their chemical compositions, may face limitations related to biocompatibility, tissue accumulation, poor biodegradability, and potential toxicity. This review presents a note on artificial intelligence materials (AIMs), their importance, and the dimensional scales at which intrinsic autonomy can be achieved for diverse applications. We briefly discuss the evolution of such systems with a focus on their advancements in nanomedicine. We highlight MNBs by covering their contemporary traits and the emergence of a few start-ups in specific areas. Furthermore, we showcase various examples demonstrating that chemical tunability is an attractive primary approach for designing MNBs with immense capabilities in both biology and chemistry. Finally, we discuss biosafety and ethical considerations in designing MNBs in the era of artificial intelligence for varied applications. View Manuscript Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

bottom of page