A team of researchers from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) have developed a prototype implantable oxygen sensor for continuously monitoring tumor growth. The chip measures oxygen concentration in its surrounding tissues and transmits the data wirelessly to a receiver carried by the patient. The receiver then relays the data to a clinician so that appropriate treatment strategies can be determined. The researchers believe that this approach will allow for continuous remote monitoring of slow growing or surgically challenging tumors.
The team hopes to expand the sensing capabilities of the device to include acidity and temperature, and is in the process of developing a miniaturized medication pump for implantation with the sensor. It is envisaged that the pump will be able to release chemotherapeutic agents into the tumor if necessary.
The sensor has already passed initial in vitro testing and is now moving into the animal testing phase. The sensor is currently a little less than twice the size of a thumbnail, however, it is expected that further miniaturization of the design will be required prior to human use.
TUM press release: Sensor chip for monitoring tumors …