Collaboration to improve detection of malignant prostate cancer cells
The collaboration between researchers Jenny Persson and Börje Sellergren has led to a method that could detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage.
Globally, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. It is particularly challenging during the metastatic stage, when existing treatments have limited effect, largely because it is difficult to detect in time.
But now two research teams: one based at Malmö University; one based at Umeå University, are hoping to improve treatment both by earlier detection, and customised treatments.
More than 80 per cent of metastatic prostrate cancer patients have a high level of the protein PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen), making it an important biomarker.
Börje Sellergren
Jenny Persson, a former visiting professor at Malmö University who is now based in Umeå, is researching mechanisms in customised drugs to treat cancer metastases. Professor Börje Sellergren and his research team, at Malmö University, have developed a synthetic antibody that they hope can help detect metastases at an early stage.
“More than 80 per cent of metastatic prostrate cancer patients have a high level of the protein PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen), making it an important biomarker. We were inspired by Jenny and the tumour researchers who have told us that this protein is important to detect," says Sellergren.
“The unique nanoparticles that Börje and his team have developed can sensitively detect cancer cells that express the PSMA protein. The nanoparticles will be able to capture cancer cells in the blood sample and provide improved diagnosis of cancer. The great thing is that they have a dual function as they can, in principle, be used in prostate cancer therapy,” explains Persson.
Sellergren's research team is using a technique known as ‘molecular imprinting’, which involves making a polymer cast of the structure to recognise the cancer cell.
"Our synthetic antibodies can detect the cells expressing the biomarkers we are looking for. The synthetic antibodies are both cheaper and easier to produce than the alternative biological ones," says Sellergren.
Furthermore, the method will be independent of radioisotopes. Today, radioactive substances are used to detect cancer and the spread of cancer in the body.
"We can reduce the number of radioactive examinations while giving the patient a more accurate diagnosis. The earlier malignant prostate cancer is detected, the greater the chance of preventing it from spreading further in the body," says Persson.
PSA testing is the most common method to detect prostate cancer in the blood. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is not a cancerous substance but one that is found naturally in the body even in healthy men. The drawback of this test is that there are patients who do not have elevated PSA levels but still have a certain type of aggressive prostate cancer. In addition, PSA levels can be elevated for reasons other than cancer.
The next step for the researchers will be to develop the technique and expand knowledge of the biomarker PSMA to increase the sensitivity of the detection.
“These are extremely small amounts of metastatic cancer cells circulating in the blood, so they are difficult to detect. But it's not just about detecting them, we also want to see and understand what they express, that is, what their genes and proteins look like, because it's different for different patients," says Persson.
