Meet Marc
Marc is a lab manager in a large clinical lab that
puts a lot of focus on cancer research.
Cancer research has made tremendous
progress in advancing our understanding of
cancer over the last few decades.
When Marc began his career
in the clinical setting, he would obtain his
samples for cancer detection through invasive
techniques which required surgery or other
invasive treatments
Over time, there was a change in the cancer
testing paradigm. Technological advancements
had been made to understand the process
leading to cancer, as well as new ways to treat
cancer.
Further developments of next generation
instruments also accelerated cancer research.
Advanced sequencing and mass spectrometry
technologies have streamlined the
identification of cancer biomarkers.
What did this mean for Marc?
He could move away from invasive techniques, such as
tissue biopsy sampling, to more user-friendly techniques
such as liquid biopsy methods.
Taking a closer look at innovations
that can shape the labs of the future, both immunotherapy and epigenetics
therapy are seen as leading the non-invasive methods of treatment while
focusing on precision medicine.
Inside the Clinical Laboratory
Mass spectrometry instruments
used to be notoriously large – taking up excessive space in labs in which technicians and
operators tried to work comfortably. As lab space is valuable, one of the changes seen over
time was mass spectrometry instruments becoming more compact, even though they
increased sample testing capacity and sensitivity in detection.
Nowadays,
mass spectrometry instruments are so powerful,
yet compact, that they are capable of identifying
molecules at single cell level, and even rare
biomarkers that can be markers of disease.
Agilent Ultivo Triple Quadrupole LC/MS
In addition to this small footprint,
Marc appreciates the same power and accuracy
with intuitive software interfaces.
New instruments within mass spectrometry allow for this ingenious way of working – being interconnected and providing Marc with cohesive results in a digital format.
This format enables him to access results from various locations. This allows Marc to time manage well within a time pressured environment.
The digital interface can provide him with clear and
concise results, supporting him in his sample analysis.
Moving Away From the Laboratory
Back in the day,
remote screening methods weren’t common, or available at all. Due to advances in clinical
testing, it is now possible to collect and transport patient samples from remote locations to
lab operators like Marc effectively and safely.
For example, Dried Blood Spots have helped in remote sample collection to date, and the screening technologies are rapidly adapting to the new sample collection techniques.
Looking Ahead
While Marc knows tremendous
progress has been made since he started his career, future investments need to be
considered for the entire workflow of collecting, and processing samples to identify specific
biomarkers to develop a more effective treatment strategy.
Advancements from data digitization to instrument capabilities will continue. Healthcare
professionals require results at their fingertips, results that are easily translated for effective
treatment strategies. Results from various tests, including from mass spectrometry, could be
centralized, so data can be accessed from a single spot.
Agilent is actively collaborating with clinical labs to understand these continuous needs and
requirements as it will allow labs to optimize their space and progress. Future innovations for
clinical labs will have the aim to see what is really happening in a cancer patient and provide
healthcare professionals with the opportunity to offer treatment that is right for the individual.
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