Scientists in Britain are promoting an innovative method for the early and effective treatment of breast cancer.
Researchers are developing a tiny device that fits inside a bra and monitors the growth of breast tumors in real time, which could be a lifesaver for millions of women.
The device, which is being developed by scientists at Nottingham Trent University, uses an electric current to scan and detect tiny changes in the fluids inside and outside the breast cells. Because cancerous tissue is denser than healthy tissue and contains less water, the device will measure changes and tumor growth in real time down to 2 millimeters.
The researchers said they might create a new bra that would incorporate the device, which would record data and send it to the patient and her medical team via smartphone. The team aims to advance the device into clinical trials within the next few years.
“The device could measure changes in breast tissue and help improve a patient’s chance of survival,” said Dr. Yang Wei, an expert in electronic textiles and electronic engineering at NTU.
“Breast cancer can grow so quickly – it could be 1mm in six months or 2mm in six weeks. This would be an additional measure to see how fast the tumor is growing,” he added.
The researchers hope the device will improve the vital work of tracking tumors, which can be difficult to do accurately, especially for those smaller than 1 centimeter.
THE Dr. Simon Vincentdirector of research, advocacy and advocacy at Breast Cancer Now, said research into better detection and treatment of breast cancer is urgently needed.
“While this new technology could provide a new way to monitor the growth of breast cancer tumors and we look forward to seeing the final results, the device has not yet been tested in humans and there is much more to understand before considering whether it could be used in a medical setting,” he said.
Source: Guardian
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