MIT scientists create inhalable sensors to detect early lung cancer

The technique of inhaling nanoparticle sensors followed by a urine test may offer the potential for faster and early detection of lung cancer. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have introduced this cutting edge medical technology, presenting a simplified approach to diagnosing lung cancer.

Additionally, this innovation holds particular promise for low and middle income countries where the accessibility of computed tomography (CT) scanners is limited. "Around the world, cancer is going to become more and more prevalent in low and middle income countries. The epidemiology of lung cancer globally is that it's driven by pollution and smoking, so we know that those are settings where accessibility to this kind of technology could have a big impact," said Sangeeta Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences and Technology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT.

Sensors provide results in 20 minutes According to the official release, this novel screening technology employs nanosensors administered via inhalers or nebulizers, potentially giving a more accessible and efficient alternative to existing diagnostic procedures. The nanosensors are intended to identify cancer related proteins in the lungs.

Polymer nanoparticles covered with a "reporter," such as a DNA barcode, are used in the nanosensors. When the sensor comes into contact with hyperactive enzymes known as proteases, commonly found in tumors, the reporter cleaves and eventually accumulates in the urine. Using a paper test strip, the researchers developed a lateral flow assay that detects these barcodes.

When these proteins are detected, the sensors emit a unique signal that accumulates in the urine. This signal's existence may be easily identified using a simple paper test strip. In their method, the researchers sought for simplicity and accessibility. The results can be reviewed around 20 minutes after collecting the urine sample.

This diagnostic technology was able to recognize early stage lung cancers in tests on genetically altered mice that formed lung tumors similar to those seen in humans. The team plans to conduct human clinical studies The team plans to evaluate the efficacy of the sensors using human biopsy samples in the coming phases.

They also intend to perform human clinical studies. The technology could significantly improve lung cancer screening, providing rapid results during a single visit. "The idea would be you come in, and then you get an answer about whether you need a follow up test or not, and we could get patients who have early lesions into the system so that they could get curative surgery or lifesaving medicines," Bhatia added in the Additionally, this advancement holds advantages for individuals with a history of heavy smoking.

While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises annual CT scans for heavy smokers aged 50 and above, not all individuals within this demographic adhere to these recommendations. Furthermore, the elevated false positive rate associated with CT scans can result in unnecessary and invasive follow up tests.

The were published in the journal on January 5..