From Traditional Medicine to Modern Research*

Despite advances in brain cancer detection and treatment, most patients still develop drug resistance and experience relapses. The underlying mechanisms are complex, indicating a need for new research to reveal biochemical mechanisms at the molecular level. Raman microscopy methods have demonstrated significant potential in identifying, characterizing, and distinguishing between bioanalytes responsible for various diseases. Combined experimental and computational studies were used to detect structural changes in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells treated with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a chemical extract from the Larrea Tridentata plant native to El Paso. To analyze multiple molecular signatures simultaneously and understand the complex functional interdependence of bioanalytes in real-time, multivariate statistical and/or machine learning algorithms were applied. This fast, cost-effective, and accurate label-free biospecimen testing could help tailor preventive, prophylactic, and personalized treatments.