Cha-Mei Tang Recognized as Pinnacle Professional Member for Cancer Diagnostic Innovations

Achievements of Dr. Cha-Mei Tang in Cancer Diagnostics

In a significant recognition of excellence, Dr. Cha-Mei Tang has been honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member by The Inner Circle for her pioneering efforts in cancer diagnostics and screening. With a special focus on the innovative LifeTracDx® blood test, her work is transforming how we understand and diagnose cancer through a novel approach centered around tumor-associated cells. This clinical advancement represents a potential game-changer in the realm of cancer treatment.

Innovative Breakthroughs in Cancer Screening

Dr. Tang has dedicated over 15 years to the advancement of cancer care technologies, leading research aimed at revolutionizing diagnostics. At the forefront of this initiative is the LifeTracDx® blood test, developed by the Creatv Bio Division of Creatv MicroTech, where she serves as a leading scientist. This test utilizes a microfilter designed to isolate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients' blood, providing a more nuanced understanding of cancer pathology than traditional methods.

In the initial phases of their research, Dr. Tang, alongside Chief Scientific Officer Daniel L. Adams, discovered a complex of cells previously overlooked by researchers—cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs). These cells have since been identified as crucial biomarkers for various types of cancer, offering insights that could significantly alter cancer diagnostics.

Clinical Applications and Implications

One of the hallmarks of the LifeTracDx® test is its versatility across different cancers and stages. Dr. Tang's research indicates that this technology can deliver a multitude of benefits:
1. Real-time prognosis: Assess the status of cancer any time during treatment.
2. Predict treatment efficacy: Offer predictions of how patients will respond to treatment within approximately 30 days of initiation.
3. Companion diagnostics: Operate without requiring traditional tissue samples.
4. Biomarker monitoring: Examine changes in essential biomarkers, such as PD-L1, to predict responses to immunotherapy.
5. Detection of recurrence: Identify minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence with increased accuracy.
6. High-quality DNA for sequencing: Provide valuable tumor DNA for further genomic analyses.

These insights not only enhance the oncology toolkit but also contribute to more personalized patient care, thereby improving treatment outcomes for individuals battling cancer.

Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Tang's academic foundation is impressive, having earned multiple degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): a Doctor of Science, Master of Science, and Bachelor of Science, all within the realm of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Post-graduation, her career saw her contribute significantly to projects at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, focusing on relativistic electron beams and free-electron lasers. A brief sabbatical at the National Institute of Standards and Technology further enriched her expertise before founding Creatv MicroTech.

With an impressive blend of physics, engineering, microfabrication, and biological sciences, Dr. Tang is shaping the future of cancer diagnostics. Her innovative contributions have earned her numerous awards, such as being named a Fellow of the American Physical Society and receiving the WISE Award for the Most Outstanding Woman Scientist. In 2024, she also received recognition by being inducted into Marquis Who’s Who, a testament to her considerable impact in the field.

Future Directions

Creatv MicroTech has recently obtained CLIA approval, which allows certain LifeTracDx® tests to be carried out at its certified lab in Monmouth Junction, NJ. As the company pursues additional approvals, including FDA clearance for various applications, Dr. Tang's vision remains clear: to enhance early cancer detection and treatment, ultimately changing the lives of countless patients.

In summary, Dr. Cha-Mei Tang stands out not only for her notable achievements but also for her unwavering commitment to harnessing innovative technology in the fight against cancer. Her work reflects the promising future of personalized medicine, where precise diagnostics and proactive treatment strategies are within reach.