A Brock University researcher is developing a new way to monitor breast cancer treatment using blood samples instead of relying solely on imaging tests.
Chemistry Professor Anna Ignaszak and her team are testing a device that measures a protein called GP88, which can indicate whether a tumour is shrinking or growing.
The goal is to help oncologists see if treatment is working sooner, potentially reducing the need for expensive CT and MRI scans and delays in getting those tests.
The technology is being tested using blood samples from male and female patients.
Ignaszak hopes to begin the clinical trial process sometime next year.
The research could eventually give doctors another tool to monitor late-stage breast cancer and how patients respond to treatment.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)