Researchers at Purdue University have developed a groundbreaking technique to predict chemotherapy resistance in both humans and canines using Doppler ultrasound. This technique, known as biodynamic imaging (BDI), measures the mechanical motions within cancer cells and how they change when exposed to chemotherapy drugs. These motions, driven by the cellular machinery, vary between patients who will respond to chemotherapy and those who will not, making BDI a promising method for personalized medicine. The team, including experts from Purdue’s Department of Physics and Veterinary Medicine, has been developing the technique for over eight years, initially testing it on cancer tissue cultures before expanding to human and canine clinical trials.
BDI has proven effective in detecting chemoresistance across two species—humans and canines—and two types of cancer: lymphoma and esophageal cancer. The method shows promise in predicting whether a patient’s cancer will be resistant to chemotherapy, allowing for more effective treatment options. The research, currently in Phase-2 trials at the IU School of Medicine, also involved canine lymphoma patients, which provided an ideal model for understanding the variability of cancer responses to treatment. The success of BDI in both species suggests that this technique could be a robust tool for predicting chemotherapy resistance across diverse cancer types.
The team’s next step is to conduct prospective Phase-2 trials, where they will predict chemotherapy response before treatment begins, potentially transforming how chemotherapy is administered. This research has received support from institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.
