MIT professor Michael Cima is developing a tiny biochemical sensor that can be implanted in cancerous tissue during a biopsy. It wirelessly sends biomarker data to an external device, allowing doctors to monitor progress, and adjust dosages or switch therapies accordingly.
The sensor fits into the tip of a biopsy needle. It contains 10 microliters of chemical contrast agents typically used for MRI, and an on-board circuit to communicate with the external reader. Real-time, on-demand data concerning two biomarkers linked to a tumor’s response to treatment, pH and dissolved oxygen, is provided.
The goal is to make treatments more targeted and precise, to improve their efficacy and reduce side effects.