Validating a novel nanotechnology for personalized breast cancer treatment monitoring

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the world and one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australia. Circulating tumour cell (CTC) analysis has shown the potential in prognosticating disease, predicting and monitoring of breast cancer treatment response. However, the technology used in CTC trials has significant limitations, such as low capture sensitivity and inability to capture cells with stem-like traits. Furthermore, the technology is expensive and not available in Australia. Hence, an improved diagnostic tool is needed to ensure early detection and early treatment of breast cancer to improve patient survival. This project aims to validate an innovative tool that is capable of simultaneous detecting and phenotypic profiling circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer.