Researchers developing pill for breast cancer diagnosis

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Researchers at the University of Michigan (UM) are developing a pill that makes tumors light up when exposed to infrared light, and the concept has worked in mice.

"It binds to the target, but it doesn't do anything, which makes it perfect for imaging," said Greg Thurber, UM assistant professor of chemical engineering and biomedical engineering, in a news release posted on UM website Monday.

The researchers attached a molecule that fluoresces when it is struck with infrared light to this drug. Then, they gave the drug to mice that had breast cancer, and they saw the tumors light up.

Volunteers working at breast cancer awareness race registration table /VCG Photo

The targeting molecule has already been shown to make it through the stomach unscathed, and the liver also gives it a pass, so it can travel through the bloodstream.

The move could also catch cancers that would have gone undetected.

By providing specific information on the types of molecules on the surface of the tumor cells, physicians can better distinguish malignant cancer from a benign tumor.

Moreover, using a dye delivered orally rather than directly into a vein also improves the safety of screening.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency