NIST Develops Rapid DNA Damage Measurement for Cancer Treatment and Emergency Response

Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have successfully developed a novel technology capable of swiftly and accurately measuring DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays. This breakthrough in measurement technology holds significant potential to revolutionize how cancer therapies are personalized and to improve the immediate care provided by first responders during radiological emergencies. The method, currently in its proof-of-concept stage, is designed to be faster and more precise than existing techniques, which can take days to yield results and are limited in their ability to measure higher doses of radiation.

The new technique utilizes nanopore sensing, a process where DNA molecules are passed through extremely small openings known as nanopores. As DNA fragments traverse these nanopores, they cause disruptions in an electric current flowing through them. By monitoring these changes in the electric current, researchers can quantify the number of DNA fragments and their respective lengths. This information allows for a rapid and accurate calculation of the radiation dose that has affected the DNA. This is a notable advancement, as current methods for assessing radiation exposure typically involve counting dead cells or detecting chromosomal abnormalities, processes that are time-consuming and can take at least two to three days. Furthermore, existing techniques have a limited measurement range, often failing to accurately assess doses above approximately 2 grays, a level that could be encountered in a significant radiological incident.

The NIST technology, detailed in a recent publication in *Analytical Chemistry*, is particularly effective in measuring radiation doses between 2 and 10 grays, a critical range for individuals requiring immediate medical attention. The ability to obtain results within minutes, rather than days, could prove invaluable in time-sensitive medical and emergency scenarios. The researchers have demonstrated the technology’s efficacy in the laboratory using specially prepared DNA samples subjected to radiation. Future development aims to create a portable version of the device, potentially as compact and accessible as a smartphone. This portable format would greatly expand its utility, allowing for on-site assessments in various settings, including hospitals, emergency response scenes, and even remote locations.

In the realm of cancer treatment, real-time monitoring of radiation exposure is crucial. This capability allows oncologists to fine-tune radiation dosages, ensuring that cancer cells are effectively destroyed while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The technology could also offer a way to track a tumor’s response to radiation therapy, enabling clinicians to make personalized adjustments to treatment plans based on direct measurements of DNA damage within cancer cells. This precision in tailoring therapies could lead to improved patient outcomes and more effective cancer treatment strategies.

For radiological emergencies, such as those involving nuclear accidents or radiation exposure incidents, the ability to quickly assess the level of radiation absorbed by individuals is paramount for effective response and care. The rapid results provided by this new NIST technology would enable medical teams to quickly prioritize treatment for those most severely affected, potentially saving lives by ensuring that appropriate care is administered as swiftly as possible. NIST is actively collaborating with industry partners to bring this technology from the laboratory to practical application, with the goal of developing a user-friendly, portable device. This initiative underscores NIST’s commitment to advancing public health and safety through scientific innovation, making precise radiation measurement more accessible and actionable.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

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