New technique using glowing dye could reduce cancer recurrence in prostate surgery

Introduction

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, accounting for 26% of all new cancer cases in the United States. While surgery is an effective treatment option, it can be challenging for surgeons to remove every last cancer cell without damaging surrounding healthy tissue, which can cause side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. However, a new technique developed by scientists and surgeons at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with ImaginAb Inc and funded by Cancer Research UK, could reduce cancer recurrence in prostate surgery by using a fluorescent dye that highlights cancer cells, making them easier to see and remove.

How it Works

The procedure involves mixing a targeting molecule with a fluorescent dye and injecting it into the patient. Once inside the patient’s body, the molecule and dye attach themselves to a protein found on the surface of prostate cancer cells, making them glow. During surgery, a special imaging system is used to shine a light on the prostate and surrounding tissues, making the cancer cells glow brightly, and the surgeon can see even the tiniest cancerous tissue that cannot be seen by the naked eye. This allows them to remove every last cancer cell while preserving healthy tissue and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

The ProMOTE Study

The technique was first tested in the ProMOTE study, where 23 men with prostate cancer were injected with the marker dye before undergoing surgery to remove their prostates. During surgery, the dye highlighted the cancer cells and where they had spread into other tissues, such as the pelvis and lymph nodes. The ability to see such detail allowed the surgeons to remove cancer cells thoroughly while preserving healthy tissue. The results of the study were published on June 10, 2019, in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Patient Testimony

David Butler, a retired sales development manager from Oxfordshire, participated in the ProMOTE study and is now cancer-free. The procedure had indicated that his prostate cancer had begun to spread before surgery. Butler is fully recovered and, for him, the procedure means being able to enjoy every moment of life. He said, “I retired early to make the most of life’s pleasures: gardening, playing bowls, and walking. Taking part in the ProMOTE study has allowed me to have many more of those pleasures for years to come.”

Future Applications

While the technique has been trialed in patients with prostate cancer, it could be adapted to other forms of cancer. Experts hope that by switching the protein with which the dye attaches itself to cancer cells, it can be used for other types of cancer. Further trials are still required in larger groups of patients, but combined with the imaging system, the combined marker dye may “fundamentally transform” how we treat cancer in the future.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a prevalent type of cancer, with surgery being one of the treatment options. The traditional surgery limits the complete removal of all cancerous cells, resulting in cancer recurrence and other post-surgical complications. The new technique developed, using a glowing dye that highlights cancer cells and makes them more visible to surgeons, is an exciting development in treating cancer and could reduce cancer recurrence while preserving healthy tissue. Researchers hope to expand the use of this technique in treating other forms of cancer.

Originally Post From https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/10/scientists-develop-glowing-dye-sticks-cancer-cells-promote-study

“Scientists Create Glowing Dye that Clings to Cancer Cells in Major Breakthrough”