Microchip Implant To Monitor Tumor Growth!
Researchers in Germany have formulated a microchip sensor which when implanted near a tumor shall monitor its growth. The device checks oxygen levels in nearby tissues to see if a tumor is growing. These observations are then sent wirelessly to the patient's doctor who can continuously monitor it and keep suggesting some remedy for the same.
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tumour-cells
In the succeeding designs, it's being hinted that there will be a medication pump included in the device, which can directly deliver the drugs to the influenced area. Researchers believe that this will contribute to less aggressive and more targeted cancer treatments. Technical University in Munich engineers formulated this device to track and treat tumors that are difficult to reach, or better left alone. Project manager Sven BeckerMicrochip implant monitors tumour growth - BBC News, "There are some tumours which are hard to remove - for example, close to the spine. You run the risk of cutting the nerve if you remove them surgically. Or the problem may be that the tumour is growing slowly, but the patient is elderly. In these cases it's better to monitor the tumor, and only treat it if there's a strong growth phase."
The sensor is fixed next to a tumour, and assesses the concentration of dissolved oxygen in nearby tissue fluid. Oxygen drop may indicate aggressive growth, where the doctors can be warned. Mr Becker explained, "The microelectronic chip has a set of electrodes that detect oxygen saturation. It transmits this sensor data to an external receiving unit that's like a small box you carry around in your pocket. From there it goes into the doctor's PC - and they can look at the data and decide whether the tumor activity is getting worse. Normally you would have to go to the hospital to be monitored - using machines like MRI to detect the oxygen saturation. With our system you can do it on the go. In traditional chemotherapy you put drugs into the whole body - which can have awful side effects. We want to add a pump to our chip, so if the sensor detects growth, you can apply microscopic amounts directly to the tumor. Patients can be treated more quickly and with less side effects, because it's local." The device is still in its initial stages, but researchers believe that in about a decade it should be ready to use.
#-Link-Snipped-#
tumour-cells
In the succeeding designs, it's being hinted that there will be a medication pump included in the device, which can directly deliver the drugs to the influenced area. Researchers believe that this will contribute to less aggressive and more targeted cancer treatments. Technical University in Munich engineers formulated this device to track and treat tumors that are difficult to reach, or better left alone. Project manager Sven BeckerMicrochip implant monitors tumour growth - BBC News, "There are some tumours which are hard to remove - for example, close to the spine. You run the risk of cutting the nerve if you remove them surgically. Or the problem may be that the tumour is growing slowly, but the patient is elderly. In these cases it's better to monitor the tumor, and only treat it if there's a strong growth phase."
The sensor is fixed next to a tumour, and assesses the concentration of dissolved oxygen in nearby tissue fluid. Oxygen drop may indicate aggressive growth, where the doctors can be warned. Mr Becker explained, "The microelectronic chip has a set of electrodes that detect oxygen saturation. It transmits this sensor data to an external receiving unit that's like a small box you carry around in your pocket. From there it goes into the doctor's PC - and they can look at the data and decide whether the tumor activity is getting worse. Normally you would have to go to the hospital to be monitored - using machines like MRI to detect the oxygen saturation. With our system you can do it on the go. In traditional chemotherapy you put drugs into the whole body - which can have awful side effects. We want to add a pump to our chip, so if the sensor detects growth, you can apply microscopic amounts directly to the tumor. Patients can be treated more quickly and with less side effects, because it's local." The device is still in its initial stages, but researchers believe that in about a decade it should be ready to use.
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