ABSTRACT
Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the United States, with 200,000 new cases each year. The 5-year survival rate associated with the disease is >98% if diagnosed early (i.e., when localized). Survival rate markedly decreases with disease progression and is <26% for end-stage (stage IV, metastatic) disease [1-3]. It is therefore apparent that early detection of breast cancer is essential for survival. However, current methods of diagnosis cannot guarantee early detection of breast cancer. In women under 40 years of age, clinical self-exams are the only method used for early diagnosis. Mammography is used in women over 40 years of age but is associated with high false-positive rates. Indeed, the possibility of having breast cancer after “indicative” mammogram is only 9% [4,5]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than mammography for early detection. However, MRI is expensive and intensive and requires skilled technical assistance. Most importantly, it is not efcient at the detection of ductal carcinoma in situ. In general, current strategies for breast cancer diagnosis must
9.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................155 9.1.1 Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Detection ......................................................................... 156 9.1.2 Optical Principles of Waveguide-Based Sensors ............................................................ 156 9.1.3 Surface Chemistry for Waveguide Functionalization ..................................................... 157 9.1.4 Commercially Available Planar Optical Waveguide-Based Technology ........................ 158 9.1.5 Novel Waveguide-Based Technology in Development ................................................... 158
9.2 Materials ...................................................................................................................................... 158 9.3 Methods ........................................................................................................................................ 159
9.3.1 Choice of Antibodies ....................................................................................................... 159 9.3.2 Labeling, Purication, and Characterization of Antibodies ........................................... 159 9.3.3 Choice of Waveguide and Functional Surfaces ............................................................... 160 9.3.4 Detection of CEA .............................................................................................................162
