HYDERABAD: Researchers from L V Prasad Eye Institute and University of Hyderabad have identified two new biomarkers that could help detect retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer seen in children, without the need for a conventional biopsy.
The researchers focused on small extracellular vesicles , tiny carriers measuring 30-150 nanometres and surrounded by a lipid layer. These vesicles transport proteins, RNA, DNA and lipids between cells and help cancer cells alter the surrounding environment to support tumour growth.
Proteins Found In Tumour Tissue
The study identified two proteins - HCLS1A and KAT2B - in tumour tissue affected by retinoblastoma. Researchers said traces of these proteins can also be detected in blood, eye fluids, tears and saliva, making them potential molecular signatures for the disease.
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The findings were published in the international journal Translational Vision Science and Technology.
Alternative To Risky Biopsies
Doctors generally confirm cancer through biopsy tests by removing a small tissue sample from the tumour. However, conducting a biopsy in eye cancer cases is considered risky because tumour cells may spread to nearby tissues during sample collection.
Researchers said this makes early diagnosis difficult in many cases, with some patients reaching hospitals only after the disease advances to a stage where removal of the eye becomes necessary.
A research team including Soumya Jakati, Rani Pallavi and Swathi Kaliki conducted tests on 25 retinoblastoma patients at L V Prasad Eye Institute. The study found that the HCLS1A protein was detected in 88 per cent of samples, while the KAT2B protein was identified in 84 per cent.
The researchers said these proteins were absent in healthy retinal tissue, confirming their role as biomarkers linked to retinoblastoma tumours. They added that larger studies across different regions are needed to further validate the findings.