Biotech Updates

RNA Fragments From Microvesicle Can be Used for Cancer Diagnosis

February 6, 2013

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that strands of information preserved on microvesicles called exosomes may help detect and monitor progession of several types of cancers. Instead of conducting multiple biopsies, which could be life-threatening, new exosomal diagnostic tests can be done.

Through the new tests, the exosomes from bio-fluids can be used to extract information on the genetic changes that occurred. Once the specific cancer mutation is known, additional bio-fluids can be collected at certain periods of time to monitor mutation levels as well as the patient's response to therapy.

Read the original article at http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=rna-fragments-may-yield-rapid.