MiROM Technology Revolutionizes Real-Time Protein Misfolding Detection for Cancer Treatment

In a groundbreaking advancement for cancer treatment monitoring, researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a technology known as MiROM, which utilizes mid-infrared light to detect protein misfolding in real time. This innovative method, published in the journal *Nature Biomedical Engineering* on July 15, 2025, offers a significant improvement over traditional diagnostic techniques that are often time-consuming and require extensive sample preparation.

MiROM operates by identifying the molecular vibrations of proteins—essentially the natural 'dance' of these molecules. Unlike conventional optical spectroscopy, which measures light attenuation, MiROM employs optoacoustic techniques that capture ultrasound waves generated when proteins absorb infrared light. This absorption induces a localized temperature increase that causes the surrounding medium to expand, emitting ultrasound waves. By analyzing these signals in real time, MiROM can detect structural changes in proteins, including misfolding associated with various diseases, notably multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Traditional methods for assessing treatment responses in multiple myeloma patients often require substantial cell samples and lengthy processing times, creating barriers to timely monitoring of individual responses. According to Francesca Gasparin, the first author of the study and researcher at Helmholtz Munich, MiROM eliminates these limitations by analyzing individual cells and requiring minimal patient samples. This capability allows for rapid, nearly instantaneous assessments of treatment effectiveness, which is vital for tailoring personalized therapies.

"MiROM detects the formation of intermolecular beta-sheets, structures linked to protein misfolding, as well as apoptosis—the programmed cell death that indicates treatment efficacy or potential drug resistance," noted Prof. Miguel Pleitez and Prof. Florian Basserman, senior investigators involved in the study. This level of precision enables clinicians to uncover variations in treatment responses within a single patient’s cancer, paving the way for more personalized therapeutic adjustments.

Beyond its application in multiple myeloma, MiROM has the potential to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of other diseases associated with protein misfolding, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. As researchers continue to optimize laser pulse duration and enhance imaging speed, the sensitivity of MiROM could improve further, broadening its clinical applications.

Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos, another senior investigator in the study, expressed optimism about MiROM's future, stating, "We envision the use of MiROM in drug screening, diagnostic tests, and home-based patient monitoring." He emphasized that future clinical validation with larger patient cohorts will be crucial for integrating this technology into routine medical practice.

The implications of MiROM are profound, as it not only represents a technological leap in cancer treatment monitoring but also heralds a new era of personalized medicine. As the medical community continues to confront the challenges of cancer treatment, innovations like MiROM will play an essential role in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the efficacy of cancer therapies. With ongoing research and development, MiROM stands poised to transform the landscape of cancer treatment and monitoring, paving the way for more effective and personalized healthcare solutions.