Chinese Scientists Develop Blood Filter to Capture Cancer Cells
According to Chinese media reports, a research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed a novel cancer-fighting technology dubbed the “Black Hole,” designed to reduce the risk of metastatic spread caused by cancer cells circulating through the bloodstream. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the specialized filter could capture more than 99% of circulating tumor cells in blood samples.
The system operates on a principle similar to that of dialysis. A pump draws blood from an artery and directs it through a specialized device containing antibodies designed to capture cancer cells. The filtered blood is then returned to the body through a vein.
When operated in a closed-loop system, the technology enabled researchers to remove 82% of circulating cancer cells from the bloodstream within just one hour.
The innovation could offer a promising complementary approach to conventional cancer therapies, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy administered after surgery. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to establish its safety and effectiveness in patients.
