Collaboration for Breakthroughs in Cancer Detection
Tethis S.p.A., a frontrunner in developing standardized liquid biopsy platforms, has established a significant collaboration with Sheba Medical Center, one of the most prestigious hospitals globally. This partnership aims to advance research in the examination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in rectal cancer patients, employing Tethis' innovative proprietary technology. The project is set to take place at Sheba's advanced Institute of Pathology.
Objectives of the Research Initiative
The study, directed by Prof. Iris Barshack, will primarily look into monitoring CTCs and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in rectal cancer patients before and after they undergo neoadjuvant therapy. Blood samples will be meticulously collected at various intervals, enabling researchers to establish initial levels of CTCs and track their evolution throughout the treatment process. The overarching goal is to assess if the CTCs combined with ctDNA can serve as early predictive markers for recurrence in rectal carcinoma, offering a potentially more efficient alternative to traditional imaging methodologies.
Advancing Medical Technology
Dr. Holger Neecke, the CEO of Tethis, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting, "Working with Sheba represents a significant step in expanding the applications of our liquid biopsy platform. Our See.d instrument, combined with our nanocoated SmartBioSurface slides, facilitates the standardized preparation of cytology specimens containing immune and tumor cells, suitable for sequential multiplexing and interpretation aided by artificial intelligence." This initiative highlights how innovative technology can enhance patient care.
Sheba's Commitment to Innovation
Prof. Iris Barshack, head of Sheba’s Pathology Institute, remarked on the importance of this collaboration to drive advancements in personalized medicine. "By merging Tethis' groundbreaking liquid biopsy technologies with our extensive clinical expertise in oncology, we are working towards developing more effective methodologies to track treatment responses in rectal cancer patients," she noted.
Exploring New Avenues in Cancer Treatment
Dr. Nadia Prisant, who oversees the Liquid Biopsy Laboratory, emphasized the significance of their analytical methods. She articulated, "The examination of cytology specimens utilizing bright field multi-staining immunohistochemistry along with AI-powered algorithms builds on our successful proof-of-concept studies with model cells, pushing forward the frontiers of digital cytology in liquid biopsy applications. This innovative approach allows us to gather high-quality cytology slides promptly at the time of blood collection, providing essential insights into disease progression and aiding in treatment decision-making for our patients."
Unprecedented Approaches to Cell Discovery
Furthermore, Prof. Ruth Katz, a Professor of Pathology, elaborated on the capabilities of the Tethis See.d instrument. She stated that, "This device enables us to retrieve the complete spectrum of nucleated cells from blood, including inflammatory cells, histiocytes, and CTCs. This gentle collection procedure significantly bolsters the pathologist's ability to identify CTC clusters and individual cells presented within a distinct cellular micro-environment, thereby enhancing CTC detection even in the earliest stages of the disease. Furthermore, by multiplexing colorectal carcinoma-specific antibodies, we intend to better understand the immunoprofile of inflammatory background cells to inform immunotherapy treatment strategies."
Tethis's Vision and Future Prospects
It’s essential to note that both the See.d instrument and SmartBioSurface slides are designated for research purposes and are not intended for diagnostic utilization. Tethis continues to pave the way in the field of diagnostics by innovating ways to integrate liquid biopsy into routine clinical practice. Their focus on standardizing blood sample preparation ensures the utmost quality and integrity of liquid biopsy specimens, which allows for thorough analysis of relevant biomarkers.
Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Tethis is shaping the future of cancer management through cutting-edge technology. With their advanced methodologies, they enable unprecedented sensitivity in identifying and characterizing immune cells and rare cells such as CTCs, even in very early stages of cancer.
Focus on Sheba Medical Center
On the other hand, Sheba Medical Center stands as the largest healthcare institution in the Middle East, creating significant global impacts through its comprehensive medical services, research initiatives, and AI-driven healthcare innovations. Their expansive campus embodies a 'City of Health' with various specialized hospitals, research centers, and even a virtual hospital, enhancing their capacity to care for patients from around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Tethis and Sheba collaboration?
The collaboration's primary objective is to investigate circulating tumor cells in rectal cancer patients, aiming to develop better monitoring strategies for treatment response.
What role does AI play in this research initiative?
AI enhances the analysis of cytology specimens, allowing for better interpretation and identification of tumor cells through advanced algorithms.
Where is Tethis headquartered?
Tethis is based in Milan, Italy, and focuses on integrating innovative liquid biopsy technologies into clinical practice.
Who is leading the research study?
The study is led by Prof. Iris Barshack from Sheba Medical Center, with an emphasis on patient outcomes in rectal cancer.
What technologies are cited in this collaboration?
The collaboration utilizes the See.d instrument and SmartBioSurface slides developed by Tethis for advanced liquid biopsy applications.
