Cancer tumor insect venom
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Tumor processes in the brain are always very dangerous, but there is one type of tumor that is more dangerous than the rest - we are talking about glioma. Glioma practically does not respond to standard chemotherapy, is able to "hide" from scanning devices, capturing more and more new tissues. Fortunately, now there is a hope that it will become easier to diagnose and treat such cancer: experts have come up with a new way to visualize a malignant lesion in which pathologically altered structures will literally “glow”. The new technology is based on the action of a specific amino acid present in the poisonous secret of scorpion.
The goal of scientists was to make the oncological process more noticeable for diagnosis, as well as to be able to outline the boundaries of the focus for its further complete removal. Work was carried out by employees representing the Sedars-Sinai Medical Center. In the project, they used a compound called tosuleristide. This substance is a synthetic analogue of a peptide seized from the toxic secretion of a scorpion. This peptide easily binds to malignant brain structures. Scientists added a fluorescent coloring component to the substance, which made it perfectly visible in the infrared spectrum. So, on the monitor, the tumor site began to stand out relatively healthy brain tissue.
“Our fluorescent method will allow us to look at the malignancy much more clearly, because it will glow like a Christmas tree,” explains one of the authors of the project, Adam Mamelak.
The substance for the detection of glioma was tested on 17 cancer patients: there is evidence of its non-toxicity and complete safety. At the same time, the latest miniature camera was tested, which helps operating doctors to switch infrared and standard images online. Before, several rather large apparatuses were involved at once for this.
The new imaging device has successfully passed all clinical trials. Today, experts are exploring the possibility of its use in pediatric practice - for the diagnosis of tumor processes in pediatric patients. Most likely, the new imaging method will be massively put into practice after it is approved by the FDA.
“The overall goal of our work is to improve the quality of surgical treatment that our doctors provide to their patients,” says Kate Black, head of the Department of Neurosurgery. Scientists admit that the use of the new method will be studied more widely - including, it will be tested in relation to the diagnosis of other types of tumor processes. Perhaps the use of the substance will be finalized and improved.
The results of the study are published in the scientific publication Neurosurgery.