Nathan Jackson, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded funding from the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant for a pilot study. The study aims to develop a novel method for detecting ovarian cancer.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. It focuses on creating a device—a probe specifically designed to target the biomarker for ovarian cancer. Furthermore, the development of the device's acoustofluidic particle separation capability will be explored, which could potentially be used for identifying multiple cancer cell biomarkers.
"This device would be a new and innovative concept in the early and accurate detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers," said Jackson. He described the device as a "multi-task, ultrasensitive and highly selective sensor."
According to information from the American Cancer Society, there are currently no reliable screening tests for ovarian cancer. Existing screening methods include ultrasound and blood tests; however, these have their limitations. Ultrasound uses sound waves to detect tumors or masses but cannot definitively determine if these are cancerous or benign. Blood tests measure a protein called CA-125, but this is not always an accurate indicator of cancer as high levels of CA-125 do not necessarily correlate with the presence of cancer.
Jackson's grant amounts to $30,000 and must be utilized by March 30, 2025. The primary purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of further developing this technology and submitting proposals for additional funding.
