Personalized cancer diagnostics:
WHY PERSONALIZATION IS CRUCIAL?
Tumors behave like adaptive complex systems
- They use alternative metabolic pathways when a main pathway is blocked
- They develop active detoxification mechanisms against medication
- They change their molecular properties under therapeutic pressure
- They communicate with the tumor microenvironment for mutual support
Guidelines & personalized therapy
Tailor-made therapy
Guidelines mean that all patients with stomach cancer, for example, are treated according to the same guidelines. To put it simply, this could be described as the “watering can principle”. However, if you take a closer look at gastric cancer patients using the molecular biology and biochemistry methods available today, you will see that none of these tumors are identical to any other in this group. This inevitably leads to the demand for individual personalized therapy. This means that modern molecular biology methods are used to investigate the individual signaling and metabolic pathways used by the tumor and find target structures that can be blocked with approved drugs. In other words, we are looking for the Achilles heel of the tumor. As part of an individualized therapy, certain target structures are then attacked and blocked. Target structures are, for example, nodes in the tumor’s message system, also known as receptors, which receive a message and then pass it on, similar to a telephone system. These receptors are individually made up of very complex proteins that are blocked by a suitable drug.
Tumors have a life of their own, comparable to individuals that build up a network of communication, energy procurement, sensor technology and production.
They thus react to influences within the body, but also to influences from outside. Classic tumor drugs, such as platinum compounds, can provoke protective mechanisms, also known as resistance , in the surviving tumor cells. This includes, for example, the ejection of drugs by coupling them to transport proteins (ABC transporters, ligases, etc.) and thus removing them from the tumor cell. Or, in response to the therapy, the tumor cell uses parallel metabolic pathways against which the drug used does not help. This is comparable to the situation on a city street: if the main road is blocked by an obstacle, traffic is diverted via a side street.
LIMITS OF STANDARD THERAPY
Revolution in tumor therapy
Modern molecular biology shows:
- Every tumor is genetically unique, even with the same diagnosis
- Standard therapies often only reach some of the tumor cells
- Tumor cells develop complex resistance mechanisms
- In the event of relapses, the original therapies often fail
THE LIQUID BIOPSY REVOLUTION
Our new approach
Our Liquid Biopsy technology enables a fundamentally new approach:
Comprehensive tumor analysis from the blood
Circulating tumor cells provide comprehensive insights into the tumor, including metastases, without invasive procedures.
Dynamic monitoring
We can observe molecular changes and recognize therapy resistance at an early stage.
Detection of the smallest tumor remnants
The highly sensitive technology detects even minimal tumor loads that would not be visible with imaging procedures.
The science behind our approach
mRNA from
Liquid Biopsy
Isolation of circulating tumor cells
We use molecular biological methods to selectively isolate tumor cells from the blood, which provide a molecular fingerprint of the tumor.
mRNA expression analysis
Instead of just looking for individual mutations, we analyze the active genes and thus the signaling and metabolic pathways of tumor cells.
Identification of targets
We decode the individual weak points of the tumor and identify targeted therapy options.
Our revolutionary approach
Precision oncology through in-depth molecular analysis
Our lab focuses on isolating circulating tumor cells from patients’ blood and unlocking their secrets. Here you can find out how we go about gaining groundbreaking insights into the inside of the tumor cell.
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Isolation of tumor cells
Our work usually begins with the isolation of circulating tumor cells from the patient’s blood. These cells are like tiny information capsules that provide us with valuable information about the activities and development of the tumor cells. Instead of blood, we can also isolate tumor cells from biopsies, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, ascites, etc.
2
Determination of gene expressions
A crucial step in our process is determining the relevant gene expression in the isolated tumor cells. Here we identify the activity of the genes that provide us with insights into the particularly important metabolic and signaling pathways of the tumor cells. The metabolism provides the energy and materials that the tumor cell needs to grow and divide. The signaling pathways play a decisive role in controlling cell activities and communication with the surrounding cells and tissues and contribute significantly to the development of tumors.
3
Identification of therapy options
Based on the knowledge gained and on scientific studies, we specifically identify substances that are able to block the metabolic and signaling pathways of tumor cells. This innovative approach makes it possible to develop precise interventions and intervene specifically in the course of the disease.
4
Personalized therapeutic approaches
Our test results enable your medical team to select and apply therapeutic approaches specifically identified for your tumor. Targeted blocking of metabolic and signaling pathways results in individual treatment options that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each tumor. At iQMedix, we utilize state-of-the-art molecular biology technologies to advance the optimal selection of cancer treatment. Our mission is to apply innovative scientific solutions to improve the quality of life of our patients and successfully lead the fight against cancer.
Early recognition and action
Circulating tumor cells
Even very small tumors in the body release tumor cells into the blood. The smallest primary tumor that released CTCs(Circulating Tumor Cells) was measured at 0.094 mm x 0.094 mm, its volume was calculated at 0.0004 mm3 and its productivity was estimated at 1 CTC per 30 minutes. This indicates that CTCs are released into the blood and/or lymphatic system at a very early stage and can provide information about tumor metabolism and treatment options.
This “early tumor” cannot be detected with current imaging techniques. The CTC contain tumor DNA as well as tumor mRNA and all proteins and metabolic products produced by the tumor.
The isolation of CTC is not trivial. One milliliter (1 ml) of blood contains billions of red blood cells and millions of white blood cells, among which, depending on the stage of the disease, there are one to ten circulating tumor cells (or significantly more in later stages). The analysis of these CTCs currently offers the best opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about the tumor and metastases, which can then be used for targeted therapy.
Tumor cells differ from healthy cells in their slightly different genetic activity. This is also noticeable in slightly altered structures on the outer surface of the tumor cells. So-called antibodies are able to recognize these structures and can thus distinguish between healthy and tumour cells.
- 10+ years of research and experience
- Personalized therapy
- State-of-the-art molecular biology technologies
- Innovative solutions for a better quality of life
A look inside the tumor cells
The isolation of circulating tumor cells
The isolation of circulating tumor cells is tricky: antibodies are coupled to tiny magnetic particles (micrometer-sized, µm) and these “magnetic beads” are added to the blood sample. The antibodies now fish for non-tumor cells, bind to them and can be extracted from the sample after 20 – 30 minutes using a filter column and magnets. The tumor cells remain.
To ensure that these are indeed epithelial tumor cells and not scattered healthy epithelial cells that have been shed from body organs, approximately 10 marker genes typical for tumors are considered. Then relevant gene expressions of the circulating tumor cells (CTC) from the transcriptome are quantified by RT-PCR and linked to therapy options.
The number of CTCs can also be influenced by chemotherapeutic agents.
A biopsy of the primary tumor provides information about the current state of the tumor. Gene expression analysis of the CTCs links the situation in the primary tumor with the future development up to the formation of metastases and their genetic and phenotypic reorientation in order to successfully establish colonies that do not fall victim to the immune system along the way.
Our current article
From resistance mechanism to targeted therapy:
How molecular biology analysis is transforming cancer treatment
We are at a turning point in oncology. The traditional approach of “one-size-fits-all” therapy according to guidelines is increasingly giving way to a personalized approach that relies on an in-depth understanding of individual tumour biology. This revolution in cancer therapy is largely driven by groundbreaking advances in molecular biology diagnostics.
Get an outlook on future developments in preventive resistance control and learn more about
- the challenge of therapy resistance in cancer,
- the paradigm shift through Liquid Biopsy,
- the way in which molecular signatures are decoded and
- the process of personalized therapy development.