Researcher News & Insights

Cancer, the most feared disease of our time, continues to perplex researchers due to its elusive nature and tendency to reemerge even after apparent remission. However, recent advancements in imaging technologies are transforming the way we study, diagnose, and treat this deadly disease. In the latest issue of 'Researcher Insights,' we explore the breakthroughs in cancer imaging.

Prof Chris Bakal and his team at the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK delve into cell size control in cancer. Contrary to common belief, cancer cells regulate their size differently from normal cells. By using imaging, omics, and modelling techniques, the researchers quantified and explained the differences in cell size among cancer cells. Their findings indicate that cell size is crucial for cancer progression and drug resistance. This research opens new paths for targeted therapies that exploit the unique characteristics of cancer cells based on their size.

Another key finding in the report is the potential of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) in removing drug-resistant proteins from cancer cells. Wojciech Szlasa, a medical researcher at Wrocław Medical University, made this groundbreaking discovery, which could open the doors to new treatments for inoperable tumours.

Another significant development highlighted in the report is the use of imaging to study extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in tumour development. Prof Vineet Bafna from the University of California, San Diego, explains how ecDNA, which exists outside of the nucleus, can multiply faster than regular DNA and contribute to cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance.

The report also includes an interview with Dr Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems, who discusses the company's mission to drive innovation in visualisation and analysis. She emphasizes the rapid changes in life science research and the importance of effective data analysis, which Leica Microsystems is addressing through AI-based solutions.

Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, is difficult to treat due to its invasive nature and resistance to treatment. Dr Jason Warram at the University of Alabama at Birmingham aims to improve surgical outcomes for glioblastoma patients. His study explores a new imaging technique using panitumumab, an antibody that targets cancer cells. By comparing panitumumab with the current standard of care, Dr Warram's research shows the potential of panitumumab for improving tumour visualisation during surgery. This approach could enhance accuracy in tumour removal and improve patient outcomes.

Prof Heike Allgayer and Prof Christoph Cremer are collaborating on a research project focused on using sub-nuclear imaging to gain insights into the molecular heterogeneity of cancer cells. By visualising the molecular activities within various organelles of cancer cells at the single molecular level, the researchers aim to identify cells that initiate metastasis. Their work highlights the potential of sub-nuclear imaging techniques in enhancing cancer diagnosis and deepening our understanding of malignancy at a cellular level.

Furthermore, the report explores the power of imaging in cancer research, specifically focusing on fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm). Prof Laura Marcu from the University of California, Davis, discusses how this label-free optical imaging technique could revolutionise tumour visualisation, providing a fast and high-precision method for distinguishing between normal and cancerous tissue during surgery.

These findings highlight the urgent need for continued research and innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment. To dive deeper into these fascinating discoveries and gain a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in microscopy for cancer research, download the Microscopy in Cancer Research Report by Researcher and Leica Microsystems today.