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A portable device has been created that tests for tumor malignancy and makes a diagnosis within an hour
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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The current procedure for diagnosing suspicious tumors is to take a sample of cells (biopsy), which is then sent to a special laboratory for analysis. The analysis takes several days to process, but the results are not always definitive.
Dr. Ralph Weisleder of Massachusetts General Hospital and colleagues have developed a miniature nuclear magnetic resonance scanner that identifies molecules by the way their nuclei respond to a magnetic field. Specific magnetic nanoparticles bind to proteins, allowing scientists to identify cancer protein molecules.
The new gadget was tested on suspicious cells collected by needle biopsy from 50 patients. The test and analysis took about an hour on average for each patient. The diagnosis was accurate in 48 out of 50 patients. Another test, which was conducted on 20 patients, showed results with 100% accuracy. The standard test gives an accurate diagnosis in 74-84% of cases.
The fact that results are available within an hour is a big advantage, as it will reduce the stress that a patient usually experiences while waiting for the results of a standard test. The diagnostic accuracy of miniature nuclear magnetic resonance will also reduce the number of repeat biopsies.
In their paper, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the researchers say the new device could eventually be used to determine how a patient's body responds to drugs.
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