Biomarkers For Detection Of Prostate Cancer Research Articles

An electrochemical/SERS dual-mode immunosensor using TMB/Au nanotag and Au@2D-MoS2 modified screen-printed electrode for sensitive detection of prostate cancer biomarker

This study describes a novel dual-mode immunosensor that combines electrochemical (EC) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) techniques for the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker associated with prostate cancer. The sensor consists of a nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited on two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (Au@MoS2) modified on a working carbon electrode of a screen-printed electrode (SPE). Subsequently, the primary antibody (Ab1) is immobilized on the modified electrode, creating Ab1/Au@MoS2/SPE for specific recognition of the target PSA. In parallel, AuNPs are conjugated with a secondary antibody (Ab2) and a probe molecule, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), leading nanotags (TMB/Ab2/AuNPs) formation exhibiting strong SERS and EC responses. Upon the presence of the target, sandwich immunocomplexes can be formed through antigen-antibody interactions (Ab1-PSA-Ab2). The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique is employed for EC detection mode, while a handheld Raman spectrometer with a 785 nm excitation laser is utilized to collect SERS signals. The developed system demonstrates excellent selectivity and sensitivity, with low limits of detection (LODs) of 3.58 pg mL−1 and 4.83 pg mL−1 for EC and SERS sensing, respectively. Importantly, the dual-mode immunosensor proves effective quantifying PSA protein in human serum samples with good recovery. Given its high sensitivity and proficiency in analyzing biological samples, this proposed immunosensor holds promise as an alternative tool for the early diagnosis of cancers.

Surface-enhanced Raman sensor with molecularly imprinted nanoparticles as highly sensitive recognition material for cancer marker amino acids

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful technique primarily due to its high sensitivity and signal-enhancing properties, which enable the identification of unique vibrational fingerprints. These fingerprints can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as cancer. It is crucial to selectively identify cancer biomarkers for early diagnosis. A correlation has been established between the reduction in the concentration of specific amino acids and the stage of the disease, particularly tryptophan (TPP) and tyrosine (TRS) in individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. In this work, we present a strategy to analyze TPP and TRS amino acids using molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs), which selectively detect target molecules in a SERS sensor. NanoMIPs are synthesized using the solid-phase molecular imprinting method with TPP and TRS as templates. These are then immobilized on a SERS substrate with gold nanoparticles to measure samples prepared from tryptophan and tyrosine in phosphate-buffered saline. The detection and quantification limits of the designed sensor are 7.13 μM and 23.75 μM for TPP, and 22.11 μM and 73.72 μM for TRS, respectively. Our study lays the groundwork for future investigations utilizing nanoMIPs in SERS assessments of TPP and TRS as potential biomarkers for prostate cancer detection.

Fiber-laser based on D-shaped fiber biosensor for prostate cancer biomarker detection

This work describes the development of a fiber laser-based biosensor using a D-shaped fiber for detecting prostate cancer biomarkers. The biosensor probe was fabricated by coating the D-shaped fiber with gold using sputter coater with deposition time of 6 min and current of 40 mA. Then, the gold-coated D-shaped fiber was inserted inside the single ring cavity for biosensing. The antibody-antigen interaction was conducted using layer-by-layer (LbL) immobilization method. The antibodies were then immobilized on the biosensor, followed by the immunoassay, which involves detecting various concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) antigen. The performance of the biosensor was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, which are determined to be 0.2171 nm/(µg/mL). As a results, this biosensor able to improve the prostate cancer monitoring, diagnosis and early identification. It also suggests that this study paves the way for personalized health strategies and advancements in prostate cancer diagnostics.

Abstract 7090: A scaled proteomic discovery study for prostate cancer diagnostic signatures using Proteograph workflow with trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry

Abstract Background and Aims: The low cancer specificity of serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), the principal biomarker for prostate cancer detection, leads to a high frequency of unwarranted prostate biopsies. To alleviate this deficit, we executed a proteomic discovery study seeking PSA reflex signatures using the Proteograph™ Product Suite, a multi-nanoparticle-based deep plasma/serum proteomics workflow (Seer, Inc.), with timsTOF Pro mass spectrometry (Bruker) to interrogate over 900 serum specimens from patients that underwent prostate biopsy due to elevated PSA and/or abnormal digital rectal exam. Methods: Our study followed rigorous design principles including uniform collection, randomization and blinding of specimens, all of which were processed with the Proteograph Product Suite. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses leveraged the Bruker timsTOF Pro MS platform utilizing 30-minute reversed-phase chromatography and a label-free dia-PASEF (data independent acquisition - parallel accumulation serial fragmentation) data acquisition method. Peptides deriving from a chosen subset of specimens designed to maximize peptide diversity were pooled, fractionated and analyzed using DDA (data-dependent acquisition)-PASEF to build a spectral reference library. Results: The DIA-NN algorithm was employed through the cloud-based Proteograph Analysis Suite (PAS) to search LC-MS data. Leveraging our study-specific spectral library proteomic depth achieved was approximately 3600 protein groups identified (median) per patient serum specimen and more than 4400 in at least 25% of samples across the study. Customized machine learning workflows and the SeerML pipeline were used to identify and assess diagnostic power of new proteomic signatures. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the remarkable proteomic depth achievable in a scaled patient serum specimen discovery study using a combination of Proteograph and timsTOF platforms. This significant effort revealed serum proteomic signatures with increased diagnostic performance over that provided by PSA blood measurement and traditional patient-associated metadata alone, providing a foundation for future clinical tests aimed to reduce the current high frequency of unnecessary prostate biopsy. Citation Format: Mark Flory, Matthew Chang, Jessie May Cartier, Jane Lange, Travis Moore, James McGann, Ryan Kopp, Michael Liss, Robin Leach, Brenna Albracht, James Dai, Michael Krawitzky, Eltaher Elgierari, Jessica Chu, Paul Pease, Max Mahoney, Shadi Ferdosi, Ryan Benz, Khatereh Motamedchaboki, Asim Siddiqui, Mahdi Zamanighomi, Amir Alavi, Harendra Guturu, Daniel Hornburg, Serafim Batzoglou. A scaled proteomic discovery study for prostate cancer diagnostic signatures using Proteograph workflow with trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7090.

Urinary fatty acid biomarkers for prostate cancer detection.

The lack of accuracy in the current prostate specific antigen (PSA) test for prostate cancer (PCa) screening causes around 60-75% of unnecessary prostate biopsies. Therefore, alternative diagnostic methods that have better accuracy and can prevent over-diagnosis of PCa are needed. Researchers have examined various potential biomarkers for PCa, and of those fatty acids (FAs) markers have received special attention due to their role in cancer metabolomics. It has been noted that PCa metabolism prefers FAs over glucose substrates for continued rapid proliferation. Hence, we proposed using a urinary FAs based model as a non-invasive alternative for PCa detection. Urine samples collected from 334 biopsy-designated PCa positive and 232 biopsy-designated PCa negative subjects were analyzed for FAs and lipid related compounds by stir bar sorptive extraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC/MS). The dataset was split into the training (70%) and testing (30%) sets to develop and validate logit models and repeated for 100 runs of random data partitioning. Over the 100 runs, we confirmed the stability of the models and obtained optimal tuning parameters for developing the final FA based model. A PSA model using the values of the patients' PSA test results was constructed with the same cohort for the purpose of comparing the performances of the FA model against PSA test. The FA final model selected 20 FAs and rendered an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI = 0.67-0.75, sensitivity = 0.48, and specificity = 0.83). In comparison, the PSA model performed with an AUC of 0.51 (95% CI = 0.46-0.66, sensitivity = 0.44, and specificity = 0.71). The study supports the potential use of urinary FAs as a stable and non-invasive alternative test for PCa diagnosis.

Bio-conjugated carbon dots for the bimodal detection of prostate cancer biomarkers via sandwich fluorescence and electrochemical immunoassays.

Bimodal detection facilitates the accurate and reliable detection of cancer biomarkers, which can assist in the early diagnosis of cancer. Herein, S-doped carbon dots (OCDs) with a size of 3 nm and blue emission were synthesized by the hydrothermal treatment of onion extract. The S-doped carbon dots were bioconjugated with an antibody (OCDs@PSAAbHRP) to design a nanoprobe for the detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA), an important serum based prostate cancer biomarker. The detection probe enabled the biomodal assay of PSA via fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) and electrochemical immunoassay (ECIA). In both assays, polyethylenimine stabilized polyaniline nanoparticles (PNPs) were used as the immobilization matrix, which played a major role in widening the linear range of biosensors (0.1 to 100 ng ml-1 for ECIA and 5 to 120 ng ml-1 for FIA). Paper-based and smartphone-integrated fluorescence immuno-array developed using the OCDs@PSAAbHRP detection probe provided cost-effective and rapid detection, while the electrochemical immunoassay provided a high sensitivity (7.8 μA ng-1 ml-1 cm-2) and low detection limit (38 pg ml-1) for PSA detection. The role of OCDs in enhancing the sensor performance was deciphered by carrying out detailed electrochemical studies with HRP enzyme-loaded OCDs. The biosensor was used to detect PSA in human blood serum samples and the results were consistent with conventional techniques. Owing to its analytical properties coupled with simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and portability, the bimodal sensor system has potential for application in clinical analysis.

Label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on antibody-immobilized Fe-Cu layered double hydroxide nanosheetas an electrochemical probe for the detection of ultra trace amount of prostate cancer biomarker (PSA)

Here, a label-free immunosensor has been developed to detect prostate specific antigen as a diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer. A pencil graphite electrode (PGE) coated with nanocomposites of iron-copper layered double hydroxide (Fe-Cu LDH) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was utilized as a sensor platform to capture the monoclonal anti-PSA antibody. The LDH/rGO nanocomposite can boost the electrical conductivity and enhance the surface area of the fabricated electrode; accordingly, it can efficiently amplify the electrode response and sensitivity in PSA detection. Electrochemical properties of the constructed sensor have been conducted utilizing cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). The PSA concentration level in serum samples was measured by monitoring the current changes of the Cu oxidation peak which was through the formation of antibody-PSA complexes on the surface of the electrode. The current response of the label-free immunosensor has been correlated to the concentration of PSA in a linear manner ranging from 100.0 fg/ml to 10.0 µg/ml with a limit of detection (LOD) of 63.24 fg/ml (S/N = 3). The morphology and structure of the synthesized Fe-Cu LDH/rGO nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical techniques such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD)and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The suggested immunosensor was employed to accurately and sensitively determine PSA concentration in serum samples with satisfactory results consistent with those achieved by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a reference method. Finally, the obtained results indicate the promising application of the fabricated immunosensor in premature prostate cancer diagnostics.

Label-free long-range detection of prostate cancer biomarkers based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering

In the field of prostate cancer based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), the repeatability of detection is crucial for its practical application in clinical medicine. We propose to use a new SERS substrate based on a polymer planar waveguide in combination with microfluidic technology and utilized in the label-free detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum. The experimental results show that the detection limit of the substrate for PSA sample solution is as low as 10 pg ml−1. Additionally, the optimal transmission length for PSA is determined to be 9 mm. Further examinations encompass repetitive testing of serum samples spiked with PSA at a concentration of 4 ng ml−1, revealing a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 5.01%. This outcome is compared with single-point detection, manifesting a notable enhancement of 9.81% in terms of RSD, signifying a marked improvement in repeatability. Notably, our method not only capitalizes on the long-range averaging effect to enhance the repeatability of Raman signals, but also circumvents sample damage resulting from direct laser irradiation.

Rapid detection of prostate cancer biomarkers in living cells and urine samples using diboronic acid fluorescent probe

Rapid and sensitive screening methods are critical for early-stage cancer diagnosis. Sialyl Lewis X (sLeX), a terminal O-glycan structure highly expressed on the surface of cancer cells, can be employed as a marker for cancer detection. In this study, a fluorescence analysis method based on a diboronic acid fluorescent (DBF) probe was established to detect the content of sLeX in solution under physiological conditions within 10 min and sLeX-carrying secreted proteins in prostate cancer cells within 15 min, with a limit of detection of 4.58 × 10−10 mol/L. Fluorescence microscopy imaging confirmed that proteins carrying sLeX were secreted from the cell into the extracellular space. Finally, urine samples from clinical patients (n = 15) and healthy volunteers (n = 5) were examined and analyzed using this method, and significant differences in sLeX levels between the two groups were found. In conclusion, we successfully established a method for detecting sLeX levels in urine samples of patients with prostate cancer using a DBF probe, which can be used to improve early non-invasive screening, disease development monitoring and prognostic detection of prostate cancer.

Nanomaterials‐Based Biosensors for the Detection of Prostate Cancer Biomarkers: Recent Trends and Future Perspective

AbstractCancer is among the leading causes of death and an important barrier to improving life expectancy globally. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. The detection of biomarkers in body fluids is the key topic for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. Despite advances in prostate cancer detection methods, therapeutic agents and new biomarkers, prostate cancer remains a serious challenge. Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is widely recognized as an important biomarker for the diagnosis of prostate cancer although researchers have also investigated the use of alternative biomarkers. Design and development of novel biosensors for prostate cancer detection has become a hot research area with advances in nanotechnology aiding biosensor development. This article reviews recent achievements and progress that nanomaterials and nanotechnology have made in biomarkers based biosensors for prostate cancer detection and covers: i) PSA‐targeted biosensors (immunosensors, aptamer‐based, peptide‐based and nanopore‐based biosensors), ii) sarcosine oxidase‐targeted biosensors, iii) other biomarkers based biosensors (prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)) including dual biomarkers based biosensors (PSA‐VEGF, PSA‐PSMA, PSA‐PCA3 and PSA‐sarcosine). The aim of this review is to provide insights into how nanomaterials in combination with various biomarkers are now aiding biosensor development in prostate cancer diagnostics.

Nurturing the marriages of urinary liquid biopsies and nano‐diagnostics for precision urinalysis of prostate cancer

AbstractProstate cancer remains the second‐most common cancer diagnosed in men, despite the increasingly widespread use of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening. The controversial clinical implications and cost benefits of PSA screening have been highlighted due to its poor specificity, resulting in a high rate of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Thus, the development of novel biomarkers for prostate cancer detection remains an intriguing challenge. Urine is emerging as a source for prostate cancer biomarker discovery. Currently, new urine biomarkers already outperform serum PSA in clinical diagnosis. Meanwhile, the advances in nanotechnology have provided a suite of diagnostic tools to study prostate cancer in more detail, sparking a new era of biomarker discoveries. In this review, we envision that future prostate cancer diagnosis will probably integrate multiplex nano‐diagnostic approaches to detect novel urinary biomarkers. However, challenges remain in differentiating indolent from aggressive cancers to better inform treatment decisions, and clinical translation still needs to be overcome.

Laser-assisted protein micropatterning in a thermoplastic device for multiplexed prostate cancer biomarker detection.

Immunoassays are frequently used for analysis of protein biomarkers. The specificity of antibodies enables parallel analysis of several target proteins, at the same time. However, the implementation of such multiplexed assays into cost-efficient and mass-producible thermoplastic microfluidic platforms remains difficult due to the lack of suitable immobilization strategies for different capture antibodies. Here, we introduce and characterize a method to functionalize the surfaces of microfluidic devices manufactured in the thermoplastic material cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) by a rapid prototyping process. A laser-induced immobilization process enables the surface patterning of anchor biomolecules at a spatial resolution of 5 μm. We employ the method for the analysis of prostate cancer associated biomarkers by competitive immunoassays in a microchannel with a total volume of 320 nL, and successfully detected the proteins PSA, CRP, CEA and IGF-1 at clinically relevant concentrations. Finally, we also demonstrate the simultaneous analysis of three markers spiked into undiluted human plasma. In conclusion, this method opens the way to transfer multiplexed immunoassays into mass-producible microfluidic platforms that are suitable for point of care applications.

A novel peptide-templated AgNPs nanoprobe for theranostics of prostate cancer

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive exosomes have the potential to serve as highly sensitive biomarkers for prostate cancer detection. Herein, a sensitive electrochemical biosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of PSMA-positive exosomes has been constructed based on a peptide-templated AgNPs nanoprobe. In this work, PSMA-specific binding peptides immobilized on a gold electrode were responsible for prostate cancer-derived exosomes capturing. Well-designed peptide (CCY- LWYIKC) serves a dual role: as a signal probe and as a recognizer in the exosomes-identification process. Specifically, LWYIKC bind to cholesterol at the exosome membranes, and CCY function as peptide templates to host a large number of silver nanoparticles, leading to a strong electrochemical signal. Thus, the concentration of exosomes can be quantified via electrochemical signal. This innovative method displayed a wide detection range of 102 to 108 particles/μL and a detection limit as low as 37 particles/μL. Notably, the method has shown outstanding performance when validated using clinical samples, suggesting its potential for clinical applications.

Silica Nanospheres Coated Silver Islands as an Effective Opto-Plasmonic SERS Active Platform for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Prostate Cancer Biomarkers.

The in vitro diagnostics of cancer are not represented well yet, but the need for early-stage detection is undeniable. In recent decades, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as an efficient, adaptable, and unique technique for the detection of cancer molecules in their early stages. Herein, we demonstrate an opto-plasmonic hybrid structure for sensitive detection of the prostate cancer biomarker sarcosine using silica nanospheres coated silver nano-islands as a facile and efficient SERS active substrate. The SERS active platform has been developed via thin (5-15 nm) deposition of silver islands using a simple and cost-effective Radio Frequency (RF) sputtering technique followed by the synthesis and decoration of silica nanospheres (~500 nm) synthesized via Stober's method. It is anticipated that the coupling of Whispering Gallery Modes and photonic nano-jets in SiO2 nanospheres induce Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) in Ag nano-islands, which is responsible for the SERS enhancement. The as-fabricated SERS active platform shows a linear response in the physiological range (10 nM to 100 μM) and an extremely low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.76 nM with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 and enhancement factor ~2 × 107. The findings suggest that our fabricated SERS platform could be potentially used for the rapid detection of bio-chemical traces with high sensitivity.

Detection of prostate cancer biomarkers via a SERS-based aptasensor

The overexpression of specific biomarkers in serum is closely related to diseases, and accurate and sensitive detection of them is beneficial for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this study, we developed a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based aptasensor to detect the prostate-specific antigen biomarkers, consisting of total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (f-PSA). A composite structure containing arrays of polystyrene colloidal sphere @Ag shell (PS@Ag) was fabricated as a SERS-active chip. A complementary DNA probe (SH-DNA) and PSA aptamer (Apt) were immobilised stepwise on the chip, followed by the binding of a Raman reporter methylene blue (MB) to the guanine base of the aptamer. PSA-Apt recognition causes the release of MB-Apt and a decrease in the SERS intensity of MB on the chip, which correlates with the PSA concentration. The proposed biosensor has high spectral reproducibility, selectivity, and sensitivity and successfully determines the PSA levels in serum samples collected from prostate cancer patients, demonstrating great potential for clinical diagnosis.

Expression Analysis of miRNAs and Their Potential Role as Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Detection.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in men worldwide. The detection methods for PCa are either unreliable, like prostate-specific antigen (PSA), or extremely invasive, such as in the case of biopsies. Therefore, there is an urgent necessity for reliable and less invasive detection procedures that can differentiate between patients with benign diseases and those with cancer. In this matter, microRNAs (miRNAs) are suggested as potential biomarkers for cancer. MiRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in several different cancers, and these genetic alterations may present specific signatures for a given malignancy. Here, we examined the expression of miR141-3p, miR145-5p, miR146a-5p, and miR148b-3p in human tissue samples of PCa (n = 41) and benign prostatic diseases (BPD) (n = 30) using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We combined the expression results with patient clinicopathological characteristics in logistic regression models to create accurate PCa predictive models. A model including information of miR148b-3p and patient age showed relevant prediction results (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.818, precision = 0.763, specificity = 0.762, and accuracy = 0.762). A model including all four miRNAs and patient age presented outstanding prediction results (AUC = 0.918, precision = 0.861, specificity = 0.861, and accuracy = 0.857). Our results represent a potential novel procedure based on logistic regression models that utilize miRNA expressions and patient age to assist with PCa diagnosis.

Urine Exosomal AMACR Is a Novel Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Detection at Initial Biopsy.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to identify and validate urine exosomal AMACR (UE-A) as a novel biomarker to improve the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (Gleason score ≥ 7) at initial prostate biopsy.MethodsA total of 289 first-catch urine samples after the digital rectal exam (DRE) were collected from patients who underwent prostatic biopsy, and 17 patients were excluded due to incomplete clinical information. Urine exosomes were purified, and urinary exosomal AMACR (UE-A) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The diagnostic performance of UE-A was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, decision curve analysis (DCA), and waterfall plots.ResultsThe expression of AMACR in PCa and csPCa was significantly higher than that in BPH and non-aggressive (p < 0.001). The UE-A presented good performance in distinguishing PCa from BPH or BPH plus non-significant PCa (nsPCa) from csPCa with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.832 and 0.78, respectively. The performance of UE-A was further validated in a multi-center cohort of patients with an AUC of 0.800 for detecting PCa and 0.749 for detecting csPCa. The clinical utility assessed by DCA showed that the benefit of patients using UE-A was superior to PSA, f/t PSA, and PSAD in both the training cohort and the validation cohort in terms of all threshold probabilities. Setting 95% sensitivity as the cutoff value, UE-A could avoid 27.57% of unnecessary biopsies, with only 4 (1.47%) csPCa patients missed.ConclusionsWe demonstrated the great performance of UE-A for the early diagnosis of PCa and csPCa. UE-A could be a novel non-invasive diagnostic biomarker to improve the detection of PCa and csPCa.

Diagnostic Value of microRNA-375 as Future Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Detection: A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Responding to the need for additional biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), mounting studies show that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) possess great potential as future promising diagnostic tools. However, the usefulness of these miRNAs is still highly debated, as the degree of inconsistency between study designs and results is still elevated. Herein, we present a meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic value and accuracy of circulating miR-375, as it is one of the most studied types of miRs in PCa. Materials and Methods: The diagnostic accuracy of miR-375 was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool, analyzing different statistical parameters. The seven studies (from six articles) that matched our selection included 422 PCa patients and 212 controls (70 healthy volunteers + 142 with benign prostate diseases). Results and Conclusion: We obtained a p-value of 0.76 for sensitivity, 0.83 for specificity, 16 for DOR, 4.6 for LR+, 0.29 for LR−, and 0.87 for AUC (95% CI 0.83–0.89). Our results confirm that miRNA-375 has high diagnostic potential for PCa, suggesting its usefulness as a powerful biomarker. More comprehensive studies are warranted to better assess its true value as a diagnostic biomarker for this urologic disease.

Design and fabrication of an electrochemical‐based nanofibrous immunosensor for detection of prostate cancer biomarker, PSMA

AbstractConvenient medical diagnostics and treatments can replace conventional healthcare procedures because of their fast and profitable applications with reduced infection risk. Meanwhile, early diagnosis of cancer is a leading research subject due to the high fatality rate of the disease and being a vital precursor in the treatment effectiveness. Electrochemical‐based micro‐biosensors are the best candidates for measuring particular biomarker concentrations in body fluids. To address this need, we used a simple fabrication approach to develop an effective immunosensor for the early detection of cancer, in particular prostate cancer. The carbon fibers, obtained from the electrospinning technique, decorate the sensor's working electrode. The available immobilization surface for antibodies doubled by taking advantage of carbon nanofibers. This modification would increase sensor sensitivity and simplify steps of immobilization. Furthermore, the prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) biomarker, a more reliable substitute for prostate‐specific antigen in prostate cancer diagnosis, was evaluated in cell culture media as a provisional model. Compared to other works, the present sensor uses more accessible materials and simple techniques. Still, it functions reasonably in the linear range of 10–200 ng/ml with the sensitivity of 22.1 pg/ml and detection limit of 9.5 ng/ml without the need for labeling or any other complicated processes. Specific sample concentrations were assessed with sensors and a commercial PSMA ELISA assay kit. According to obtained results, the present sensors have sufficient accuracy in PSMA detection.

Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on poly(o-phenylenediamine-co-o-aminophenol) incorporated with poly(styrenesulfonate) doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) ferrocene composite modified screen-printed carbon electrode for highly sensitive and selective detection of prostate cancer biomarker

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) of o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) and o-aminophenol (o-AP), electropolymerized in the presence of prostate specific antigen (PSA), was deposited on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with a poly(styrenesulfonate) doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) ferrocene composite (PEDOT:PSS@Fc) to create a MIP/PEDOT:PSS@Fc/SPCE electrochemical sensor. The MIP layer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PSA was determined using differential pulse voltammetry by measuring the change in the oxidation peak current of Fc. At the optimal monomer molar ratio, electropolymerization condition, phosphate buffer pH and rebinding time, the MIP sensor produced a linear response over a concentration range of 1.0 × 10−7–1.0 × 10−4 ng mL−1 PSA. The detection limit was (8.3 ± 1.3) × 10−8 ng mL−1 and selectivity, reproducibility, reusability over 12 cycles and long-term stability over 7 weeks were good. Using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the dissociation constant (KD) of the MIP sensor was 1.91 × 10−6 ng mL−1. PSA levels detected in blood serum with the present sensor were consistent with the data from the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (P > 0.05).