The National Science Foundation has presented a team of researchers with a $480,000 grant to build a device that uses nanotechnology, combined with a urine test to detect tiny amounts of bladder cancer cells.
The device is very sensitive, and according to UT Arlington electrical engineering associate professor Samir Iqbal, “the device and method can detect as few as two bladder cancer cells in a full liter of urine.” Detection of bladder cancer traditionally involves a blood sample and/or a tissue biopsy with thick needle. Results from these tests could take days or up to weeks to receive back. This new device eliminates the need for a blood draw at every test, and is replaced with a urine test. Testing could be performed in a patient’s home with the low-cost device, and results would be transmitted to their physician via the Internet.
Read more about how this device and method could change the future of bladder cancer screening.
