Twin Cities researchers are launching a first of its kind clinical trial that could revolutionize how cancer is diagnosed and treated.
Scientists use blood collected from a blood draw and run it through a machine, then using artificial intelligence technology, they create a 3D holographic image of the cells, identifying the cancer cells and separate them from the healthy ones.
"So, we can get much more precise because each person is a little bit different and each cancer is a little bit different," says Dr. Badrinath Konety who is president of the Allina Health Cancer Institute and Chief Medical Officer of Astrin Biosciences which is based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Both are collaborating on this first of its kind clinical trial which collects similar data, but better than a traditional MRI or mammogram.
Isolating the cancer cells allows researchers to study them and understand how they survive, thrive and spread. If the cancer cells are dormant, they can work to determine how to keep them that way, so they don’t trigger another round of cancer decades later.
He says they are looking for about 50 patients to take part. Right now they are focusing on breast cancer but hope to expand to other cancers in the future.
"About half the women can't get their breast cancer easily diagnosed on a mammogram," explained Konety. "Participating in this study helps cancer patients of the future across the globe. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and better understanding of the specific characteristics of the cancer cells, which means more precise treatment.”
The phone number for people to call to be part of the study is 612-863-8716.