National science has taken gigantic steps in the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Mexican scientists have created a broad range of instruments and methods for this purpose. Today we bring you a list of the most important inventions for the treatment of this illness:
1- The Health Bra:
Julián Ríos, a young student from the Monterrey Institute of Technology created a special brassiere to help her mother in her fight against breast cancer. The bra is now one of the most widespread tools to treat breast cancer due to its practicality and convenience.
With the help of Antonio Torres, one of his high-school classmates, Julián created a bra that is capable of measuring breast temperature. When the body temperature increases, it is usually due to tumors using nutrients and oxygen to expand, causing swelling on the breasts.
The “Eva” Bra detects said anomalies and is capable of revealing cancer from an early stage. The user only has to place the cups under her sports bra. A smartphone app allows users to monitor breast temperature and detect irregularities through an artificial intelligence algorithm. It has an estimate cost of 120 dollars.
2- More than prosthesis
The onco-psychologist Patricia Escalante, from the CIMA foundation, claims that the removal of breasts deeply affects women suffering from breast cancer, generating self-esteem issues, depression, insecurity, lack of social skills, and a broad range of emotional consequences. This is why it is very important that patients follow treatment with a professional before and after the surgery. Fortunately, there are breast prosthesis for women who have to endure a masectomy. The problem is that prosthesis are often expensive. This is why a young man from Jalisco, Érik Muñoz, chemical engineering student at the University of Guadalajara, has created the Cali Project, which produces personalized breast prosthesis with eco-friendly materials to guarantee durability, and comfort at a low cost.
The prostheses are made out of thermoplastic polyurethane, which is a highly malleable material. The designs are highly tolerant to high pH levels and are easy to wash, with a durability of over 5 years. Aiming to make the prosthesis affordable, the Cali Project is offering this service for between MXN3,500 and MXN$4,500.
3- The Mexican Molecule
Edda Sciutto and Gladis Fragoso, two scientists from the Biomedical Research Institute of Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM), have discovered the GK-1 molecule, which has anti-tumor properties with the capacity of improving immunotherapy efficiency in breast cancer patients. The molecule is a peptide that was identifies in a protein found in the taenia crassiceps and taenia solium parasites. The Mexican scientists were looking to create a vaccine for cysticercosis.
The GK-1 molecule is capable of reducing the number, size, volume, and macro-metastases of tumors, increasing the patient’s life expectancy.
4- Cancer and Genetics
Talia Wegman Ostrosky, UNAM graduate, has focused on discovering a specific gene that causes breast cancer. In 2017, she was invited to participate at the American Association for Cancer Research, where she showed the results of her investigation. Her work was considered to be one of the best projects in the United States, due to her thorough study of rhabdomyosarcoma, which causes cancer malignancy in soft tissues.
The results of her investigation show that between 10 and 15% of breast cancer cases are caused by the mutation of inherited genes. Once the cause of breast cancer is identified, it is very important to check whether or not the patient’s parents or sons have the same gene in order to implement preventive measures.
“Some of these mutated genes can be treated. In a near future, personalized treatments could be made available for these patients,” said the genetics researcher. Wegman Ostrosky is currently working with the National Cancerology Institue (INCAN). She is also taking post-doctoral studies in genetic epidemiology in Maryland, U.S.
