(482g) Dielectrophoretic Detection Of Human Oral Cancer Using 3D Well Electrodes

Dielectrophoresis has for many decades been used in the discrimination between cancer and normal cells, commonly in the pursuit of the detection of tumour cells in circulating blood. However, these have yet to enter widespread clinical trials, largely due to issues of throughput, sensitivity and the number of cells required for analysis.  Here we describe an alternative approach to the use of dielectrophoresis in performing cancer diagnosis, by distinguishing between oral cancer cells and normal oral epithelial cells from non-invasive oral brush samples taken from patients attending Head and Neck cancer clinics.  The ready availability of tumour cells in high concentrations means that the device can be used to analyse the properties of the whole sample, eliminating the need for a separation stage.  Using a 3D dielectrophoretic “well” chip, samples can be analysed with minimal preparation; discrimination is made on the basis of dispersion frequency analysis rather than interpreted dielectric data, eliminating the need for complicating factors such as measurement of radius.  Our studies show that the test offers sensitivity and specificity equal or superior to current oral cancer diagnostics at substantially lower cost, with total consumables for sample testing costing $10 or less per test.  The system also offers the added benefit of convenience - samples remain viable for up to five days after collection, allowing centralised testing and eliminating the need for each physician to have their own analysis device.