Cancer of the breast remains a major health concern in India, with 1 in 28 women at risk of developing it in their lifetime. While doctors typically track treatment effectiveness using tumour size, hormone levels, and imaging scans, a recent breakthrough study introduced a novel approach by analysing the physical properties of chromosomes to monitor therapy outcomes and predict cancer recurrence earlier.
Hydrogel developed for targeted breast cancer therapy
Tracking treatment outcomes
Tatini Rakshit, assistant professor, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University (Delhi-NCR), in her recent research explores the impact of Valproic Acid (VPA) ,a well-known epigenetic modifier drug on breast cancer cells using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-- a cutting-edge tool that measures chromosomal stiffness and electrical properties. These microscopic changes can reveal whether a treatment is working well before traditional indicators show results.
Chromosomes are the carrier of our genomic information and hold vital clues of the evaluation and therapeutic outcome of breast cancer.
Monitoring treatment response and reoccurrence
“In an innovative approach, our study explores how VPA alters the physical properties of breast cancer chromosomes. Using single molecule techniques, we physically touched single chromosomes with a sharp probe and assessed its mechanical and electrical properties. This strategy opens a new direction to monitor treatment response, therapy outcome and potential disease recurrence in breast cancer patients,’’ said Dr. Rakshit.
She added that breast cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2024, breast cancer remained the most common cancer in women in India, with an estimated 310,720 invasive cases, and a significant number of deaths, highlighting the need for early detection and improved access to treatment. Late detection is a major factor contributing to high mortality rates and the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is around 66.4%, but varies across different regions.
New research heralds breast cancer diagnosis with just a drop of blood
Integrated strategy for accurate results
“To evaluate the outcome of breast cancer therapy in a patient, healthcare professionals typically assess factors like the size and stage of the tumour, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor status, patient survival rate (overall and disease-free), recurrence rate, quality of life, and any treatment-related side effects, using a combination of clinical examinations, imaging tests, and patient-reported outcomes throughout the treatment and follow-up process,’’ explained Dr. Rakshit.
The research demonstrated that a multi-parametric strategy with the physical properties (dimensional, mechanical and electrical properties) of chromosomes as revealed by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analyses offers a new scope for studying chromosomal structural changes/aberrations linked to cancer.
Further research and personalised cancer therapies
Explaining that epigenetic modifier drug valproic acid alters the physical properties of cancer chromosomes, Dr. Rakshit said that this strategy can also be incorporated to monitor the medicine/chemotherapy response, treatment outcome and recurrence in breast cancer patients.
“We used AFM ,an advanced single molecule technique, that uses a very sharp probe (nano finger) which physically touches single chromosomes and generates critical responses. We are interested in collaborating with nearby hospitals to receive patient samples to validate our strategy.”said Dr. Rakshit.
With further advancements, this work could be useful in tumour treating fields (TTF) therapy, a non-invasive cancer treatment that uses mild electrical fields to disrupt the ability of cancer cells to divide, which can slow the growth and spread of the tumour. We are hopeful in designing and monitoring personalised cancer therapies with this innovative approach,’’ she said while explaining the future and scope of the research.
Published - March 26, 2025 02:40 pm IST
Read Comments
RemoveSEE ALL
Related Topics
health/cancer/research/medical research