US scientists are currently developing a device that will absorb cancer cells as they circulate through the body. The spongelike implant will warn doctors of potential cancer spreads.
The implants were tested in eight mice with metastatic breast cancer. The results were impressive, as the implant attracted all cancer cells within two weeks time. Good news, since breast cancer tumors are known for being one of the most rapidly growing types of cancer. After a number of experiments, experts have concluded that by implanting the device in the physique (underneath the pores or in the stomach fats), it will suck up most cancerous cells without much difficulty.
The implant was created by using polylactide-co-glycolide, a FDA certified biomaterial with microporous functions that is currently used in various pharmaceutical sectors. The invention works by attracting immune cells that help detecting most cancerous cells. After this process takes place, scientists use a groundbreaking imaging approach in order to distinguish between regular and cancerous cells. By doing this they will accurately locate from what areas the cancer cells were caught by the implant.
Cancer cells are infamously known for circulating in the bloodstream, making them difficult to detect, but their creation may be capable of detecting the metastasis of cancer at an early stage.
The device was designed in such a way that it would suck up cancer cells from the moment they appeared, similarly to a sponge. The researchers are hopeful that their invention will be used to detect the apparition of cancer in a sufferer’s body as early as possible, making chemotherapy more efficient.
The research papers were published in Nature Communications. The team of scientists is currently making preparations to implant their device in human bodies. They claim that the machine is all and ready to start drawing most cancer cells in people and wish to be certified as secure as soon as possible so it can be utilized earlier in hospitals. However, the team is aware how difficult is to take action.
90% of worldwide cancer deaths are due to medication inefficiency. Chemotherapy is known for its low success rate of preventing cancer spread to other organs and its inability to control the growth of the tumor.
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