#Israel #Liquid Biopsy #Tethis #Sheba Medical #Tel Hashomer

A New Era in Cancer Diagnostics: Tethis and Sheba Medical Center Collaborate

In an innovative leap forward in the realm of cancer diagnostics, Tethis S.p.A. and Sheba Medical Center have announced a significant research collaboration aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered liquid biopsy techniques for rectal cancer. This partnership promises to enhance the monitoring and treatment of rectal cancer patients, showcasing the latest technological advancements in the medical field.

Collaboration Overview

Tethis, recognized as a pioneer in the development of standardized liquid biopsy platforms, will work closely with Sheba Medical Center, Israel's largest and highly regarded medical institution. The center is consistently ranked among the world's top hospitals and brings immense experience in oncology and patient care. Together, they aim to evaluate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients through Tethis' innovative technology, specifically utilizing the See.d® instrument.

The collaboration will focus on monitoring CTCs and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in rectal cancer patients both before and after neoadjuvant therapy. This holistic approach involves collecting blood samples at various times to establish baseline levels of CTCs and to monitor any changes throughout the treatment process. The ultimate goal is to assess the potential of CTCs combined with ctDNA as surrogate markers to identify relapses in rectal carcinoma earlier than is currently possible through conventional imaging techniques.

Expert Perspectives

Dr. Holger Neecke, the CEO of Tethis, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Working with Sheba represents a significant step in expanding the applications of our liquid biopsy platform." He emphasized the potential of their technology, which allows for the standardized preparation of cytology specimens containing immune and tumor cells. This preparation is suited for sequential multiplexing and interpretation with AI, offering a comprehensive analysis of the disease.

Prof. Iris Barshack, who heads the Pathology Institute at Sheba, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that this collaboration reflects Sheba's commitment to enhancing precision medicine using innovative technologies. She mentioned that by merging Tethis' state-of-the-art liquid biopsy platform with Sheba's vast clinical expertise, they aim to create more effective monitoring strategies for patients undergoing treatment for rectal cancer.

Dr. Nadia Prisant, the Head of the Liquid Biopsy Laboratory at Sheba, elaborated on the study's methodology. She explained that the use of bright field multi-staining immunohistochemistry alongside AI algorithms builds on previous successful proof-of-concept studies. This approach promises to advance the field of digital cytology within the context of liquid biopsy applications, potentially leading to better insights into disease progression and improved treatment decisions for patients.

Innovative Technology

A key aspect of the innovative technology being deployed is the See.d® instrument designed by Tethis. This device not only facilitates the retrieval of a comprehensive population of nucleated cells—including inflammatory cells, histiocytes, and CTCs—from the bloodstream, but also enhances the overall detection of CTC clusters and individual cells. As detailed by Prof. Ruth Katz, a Professor of Pathology, this instrument's gentle collection method improves the chances of detecting even the most elusive cancer cells, which is particularly crucial in early-stage patients.

Moreover, the collaboration intends to utilize multiplexing of colorectal carcinoma-specific antibodies to localize various cell proteins effectively. This strategy aims to enhance CTC detection rates while also providing valuable insights into the immunoprofile of background inflammatory cells, which could offer guidance for immunotherapy approaches.

Research Use Only

It is essential to note that the See.d® instrument and SmartBioSurface® slides are designated for research purposes only, thus not intended for diagnostic procedures. Nonetheless, this research aims to push the boundaries of current methodologies in cancer research and diagnostics, ultimately benefiting patients in critical ways.

About Tethis S.p.A.

Tethis is dedicated to pioneering innovative workflows that integrate liquid biopsy into clinical practice, thus enabling precise cancer management. The company focuses on standardizing the preparation of blood samples to maintain high-quality and integrity of liquid biopsy specimens. With their nanocoated SmartBioSurface® slides, Tethis is at the forefront of identifying and characterizing immune cells and rare tumor cells with unmatched sensitivity, making strides even in the early stages of illness. Located in Milan, Italy, Tethis continues to contribute to advancements in cancer diagnostics at the global level.

About Sheba Medical Center

As the largest medical center in the Middle East, Sheba Medical Center has a profound influence on global healthcare through its comprehensive medical services, research capabilities, and commitment to AI-driven healthcare transformations. Housing multiple hospitals and research institutions on a single campus, Sheba exemplifies a groundbreaking approach to patient care that welcomes international collaboration to meet diverse healthcare needs. For more insights into their amazing work, more information is available at Sheba's official website.

This collaboration between Tethis and Sheba Medical Center marks a pivotal moment in the fight against rectal cancer, paving the way for enhanced diagnostic and treatment strategies that could revolutionize patient outcomes.