College of Warwick researchers have constructed a brand new diamond-based magnetic discipline sensor that might be used to higher discover tumors via tracing magnetic fluid injected within the physique.
A most cancers analysis is most problematic when cells from the tumor have metastasized (unfold) to different organs. This most frequently happens via the lymph nodes and the lymphatic draining system. Exams to search out whether or not most cancers cells are lodged within the lymph nodes are the gold commonplace for detecting metastasis and directing the course of remedy.
Revealed in Bodily Evaluate Utilized, Warwick researchers report they’ve constructed a brand new non-toxic and non-radioactive machine that makes use of the distinctive properties of diamonds to diagnose metastasized breast most cancers. This machine is ultra-sensitive, handheld and works at lengthy ranges, offering an upgraded answer to an everyday problem that most cancers surgeons should address.
First creator Alex Newman, PhD scholar within the Physics Division on the College of Warwick commented: “There’s a actual demand for versatile non-toxic technique of discovering most cancers. For this new diamond-based sensor, we managed to get the dimensions of the sensor head down to simply 10 mm, which suggests it’s the first diamond sensor to have the ability to detect magnetic tracer fluid whereas being sufficiently small for endoscopic use and keyhole surgical procedure.
“It’s also very delicate, able to detecting one hundredth of the standard full medical dose of magnetic tracer fluid.”
The diamond sensor works by detecting magnetic tracer fluid (iron oxide nanoparticles) that’s launched into the affected person throughout or earlier than breast most cancers surgical procedure. The tracer fluid is injected into the tumor after which travels to the lymph nodes alongside metastasized most cancers cells. A magnetic discipline sensor based mostly on a diamond can then find the tracer fluid and pinpoint the lymph nodes to be surgically eliminated to cease the most cancers unfold.
Its compact design is achieved through the use of a tiny diamond (0.5 mm3) and a small everlasting magnet that’s connected to the probe head. This eliminates the necessity for cumbersome electronics permitting for a handheld versatile device.
Senior creator and group chief, Professor Gavin Morley, Division of Physics, College of Warwick mentioned: “Diamonds can sense magnetic fields because of color centres within the diamond, referred to as nitrogen emptiness centres. They permit the diamond to detect very small adjustments in magnetic discipline and provides the diamonds a stunning pink color.
“We hope to make use of these magnetic discipline sensors not only for medical functions, however for spacecraft and fusion energy too.”
Tracing most cancers is just not new, however the conventional strategies utilized in hospitals use radioactive tracers or easy blue dyes. Radioactive tracers should not obtainable in all hospitals as a result of additional precautions required when dealing with radioactive supplies. Blue dye causes an allergic response in a single out of 100 individuals, which is an undesirable complication when the affected person is underneath a basic anaesthetic.
Detecting a magnetic tracer with a small delicate sensor just like the diamond-based one might be a recreation changer, and this know-how has been constructed with clinician assist.
Stuart Robertson, Marketing consultant Breast Most cancers Surgeon at College Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Belief added: “I now usually utilise magnetic localisation in my breast most cancers work, for impalpable breast lesions and detecting lymph nodes, because it affords benefits over extra conventional strategies. It is nice to collaborate with the College of Warwick, exploring methods to optimise magnetic know-how additional.”
Using magnetic tracer fluids is turning into extra widespread, nevertheless, this new diamond sensor may present a smaller, extra delicate detector, notably as additional quantum know-how strategies are carried out. The functions to different cancers reminiscent of lung, liver, colorectal and oesophageal may present much more advantages to sufferers.
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Journal reference:
Newman, A. J., et al. (2025). Endoscopic diamond magnetometer for most cancers surgical procedure. Bodily Evaluate Utilized. doi.org/10.1103/znt3-988w.