A portable device has been created, which analyzes the malignancy of the tumor and diagnoses within an hour
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A modern procedure for diagnosing suspicious tumors is performed by extracting a sample of cells (biopsy), which is then sent to a special laboratory for analysis. The analysis takes several days, but the results are not always final.
Dr. Ralph Weissleder from a general hospital in Massachusetts, together with his colleagues, developed a miniature nuclear magnetic resonance scanner that identifies molecules by how their nucleus reacts to a magnetic field. Specific magnetic nanoparticles bind to proteins and, thus, enable scientists to identify cancerous protein molecules.
The new gadget was tested on suspicious cells collected by puncture biopsy in 50 patients. The test and analysis took an average of about an hour for each patient. The diagnosis was accurate in 48 of 50 patients. Another test, which was conducted with the participation of 20 patients, showed results with 100% accuracy. The standard test places an accurate diagnosis in 74-84% of cases.
The fact that the results are available within an hour is a big advantage, as this will reduce the stress that a patient usually experiences while waiting for the results of a standard test. The accuracy of the diagnosis of miniature nuclear magnetic resonance also will reduce the number of repeated biopsies.
In an article published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers argue that the new device can eventually be used to determine the patient's response to the drugs used.
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