CBU research could transform skin cancer detection
From the Springboard Content Lab and Cape Breton university
A team of researchers at Springboard member Cape Breton University is developing a skin cancer rapid-test method that could save lives and ease the burden on healthcare systems.
Dr. Martin Mkandawire, a chemistry professor at Cape Breton University, is leading the project that uses saliva to detect skin cancer in a non-invasive method.
The team is now in the early stages of its work, refining the nano-sensor used to detect cancer testing with artificial saliva. The next phase will involve testing with real saliva samples, which will require ethical approvals and the recruitment of volunteers.
Researcher’s personal journey
Dr. Mkandawire’s interest in cancer research is both professional and deeply personal. Having lost his father to cancer and experienced his own skin cancer scare, Dr. Mkandawire was motivated to find ways of making early detection more widely available.
If my father had access to early diagnostic tools, things might have been different. Unfortunately, he lived far from cancer diagnostic facilities, which motivated me to leverage my research skills to develop early and rapid detection.”
– Dr. Martin Mkandawire, CBU researcher leading project
The idea for the project was born from a convergence of Dr. Mkandawire’s background in ultrasensitive sensors and his wife’s ( Dr. M. Mary Mkandawire, an accomplished molecular biologist) research into liquid biopsies and biomarkers. This sparked a new focus: using saliva to detect early signs of skin cancer.
“What excites me is that we are not just doing science,” Dr. Mkandawire says. “We are doing science to address key issues facing our society.”
Empowering student scientists
Supported by a RISE grant, this research is both an innovative step forward in cancer detection and an opportunity for CBU students to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge science.
“I recommend that our institute continues to support research through the RISE Grant, without which this research would not be possible,” says Dr. Mkandawire.
One of the most inspiring elements of this research is the role played by CBU students. Here, undergraduates are often tasked with responsibilities usually reserved for graduate or postdoctoral researchers at larger institutions.
“We involve the student in more than just being a research assistant. For example, our students learn to operate highly advanced equipment and apply sophisticated research techniques, which are typically reserved for graduate students in large institutions.”
Dr. Mkandawire says
Students are involved in every step of the process, from lab management and experiment design to instrumentation and scientific discussions. This hands-on experience provides meaningful learning opportunities that prepare them for future careers in science.
“Our research group fosters extensive mentoring and an inclusive environment that encourages learning without fear,” Dr. Mkandawire explains. “Students are allowed to explore their abilities within the project’s context. As a result, they build confidence and develop teamwork, communication and writing skills.”
Project is a collaboration with other research institutions
The project is a truly collaborative effort, with partnerships extending beyond CBU to Nova Scotia Health, ÉTS (École de Technologie Supérieure | Université du Québec) in Montreal, Avicenna Research Services in Toronto and the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany. These collaborations provide essential infrastructure, like cleanrooms (a space where particles like microbes and other such contaminants are controlled to maintain a sterile research environment), for developing the sensor.
Collaboration has been central to the project’s success, both through external partnerships and within CBU. Dr. Mkandawire highlights the diversity of expertise on his team, noting that colleagues and students bring essential contributions that shape the research at every stage.
“I am fortunate to lead a wonderful research team, comprised of dedicated and talented individuals who are all actively contributing to our research. They truly do the heavy lifting,” Dr. Mkandawire says.
“The success of this research in developing an early, rapid detection system based on identifying biomarkers in saliva could save lives, improve health outcomes and increase the economic efficiency of healthcare delivery. We hope that people, whether here on Cape Breton Island, in Nova Scotia or across Canada, will gain confidence in the abilities of Cape Breton University and its researchers to contribute to society and drive technological progress, despite CBU’s size and limited research resources.”
Dr. Mkandawire