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News

Profs develop magnetic probe

New technology detects nanoparticles in tumors to help fight cancer without the side effects of radiation

by GUILHERME CUNHA
The Daily Cougar

A UH research assistant professor of physics has co-developed a probe to detect sentinel lymph nodes -- the first a cancer cell will drain -- without radiation. 

Audrius Brazdeikis of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics along with Quentin Pakhurst, a professor of physics from the University College London, developed a magnetic probe that detects small magnetic fields in the body. 

"As far as the technology is concerned, it is seeking investment and we believe that in 2009 it will be available for sale," Bradzdeikis said.

The probe works by detecting magnetic nanoparticles that are introduced to the tumor and tumor-surrounding tissues. 

The development started as market research between UH and UCL, geared towards breast cancer because of the estimated 1.3 million diagnosis made yearly worldwide. Michael Douek, a London surgeon specializing in breast surgery and a professor at the University College London, volunteered to assist in the development. 

The probe has the potential to compete against the standard radiation-utilizing gamma probe, without radiation-related negative side effects.

Bradzeikis said that although a patient does not suffer from overexposure from gamma probes -- because the dosage of gamma particles is controlled -- the personnel that handle the tissue after its removal are not protected in the same way.

"Gamma probe market is very strong -- basically introducing new technology will drive down the price. There are a lot of other things that are not included in the cost (for the gamma probe), such as regulations for nuclear personnel," Bradzdeikis said. "Also, radiologists, surgeons and nurses are overexposed to radiation."

Although there is no large investment for a clinical prototype, clinical tests were held in London and will be held later this year in Japan, and inquiries have been made from Italy and the United States. 

Under current regulations, a patient must stay in the hospital 8-12 hours before surgery for the injections of radioactive isotopes and blue dye, but magnetic dye needs to be applied only 15 minutes before surgery, relieving the patient of unnecessary hospitalization.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved use of the magnetic dye. 

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