Once cancer cells spread throughout the body, in a process known as metastasis, the mortality rate for cancer patients greatly increases. For this reason, scientists have been working tirelessly to combat the issue. Now, researchers at the University of Michigan in the Department of Biomedical Engineering may have found the solution: an implantable device that can detect metastasis early.
Preventing Metastasis in Patients
Preventing metastasis is key in order to grant a cancer patient a longer life. This is difficult to do – even with effective treatment – because the process generally goes unnoticed until after it has already spread cancer cells to other parts of the body. The new device, however, allows doctors to identify metastasis sooner, which, in turn, will cause treatments to also become more effective.
How this device works
The device, measuring 5mm in diameter, is created from a biosynthetic substance that has already been approved by the FDA. It essentially acts as a sponge that soaks up cancer cells in the tissue it is implanted in. Simultaneously, it functions as a beacon for immune cells, which flock to the device. As a result, cancer cells naturally follow and end up attaching themselves to the implant, along with the immune cells. Not only does this help with the early detection of metastasis, it is also able to prevent the spread of cancer by actually capturing the cancerous cells.
Testing on mice
So far, tests conducted on mice have shown promising results, although human trials have yet to begin. As part of the clinical study, the device was implanted into mice with breast cancer, and within two weeks, all the cancer cells had moved to the implant and stopped multiplying. Given the positive test results, the researchers are optimistic that the new technology will have the same impact on humans.
