A groundbreaking new tool from Australian researchers is poised to revolutionize the detection and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, offering a less invasive and more accurate approach for surgeons.
Developed by the University of South Australia (UniSA) with funding from the Federal Government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Grant, this new technology combines quantum sensors with a laparoscopic probe to precisely map the spread of tumors. This innovation is expected to significantly improve cancer survival rates and quality of life for patients around the world.
Led by Dr. Nicole Dmochowska from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, the $405,050 project is being carried out in collaboration with Ferronova, a company specializing in precision cancer surgery. The new laparoscopic probe will work alongside Ferronova’s iron-oxide nanoparticle formulation, FerroTrace, which enhances the detection of cancerous lymph nodes during surgery. This advanced detection system reduces the need for extensive tissue removal, a process that often leads to dangerous complications and long-term side effects for patients.
Gastrointestinal cancers are some of the deadliest, often spreading through the lymphatic system to distant lymph nodes before they are diagnosed. Traditional surgical methods often require the removal of large amounts of tissue, which increases the risk of infection and long-term digestive problems.
“We are integrating cutting-edge quantum sensors into a minimally invasive laparoscopic probe to provide surgeons with an accurate tool to identify affected lymph nodes,” said Dr. Dmochowska. “This will help surgeons perform more targeted surgeries, reducing the need for extensive tissue removal and enhancing recovery after surgery.”
The UniSA team has already shown the potential of quantum sensor-based magnetometer probes through successful phase-1 clinical trials for oral cancer. This new project will advance the technology by miniaturizing the probe for use in laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery, offering a more precise and less invasive way to treat cancer.
With over eight years of development, the research team is now ready to take the next step with funding from the AEA Ignite Grant. The goal is to develop a fully functional prototype that will be tested in large animal models before progressing to human trials.
“This research is closely aligned with Australia’s national priorities in both medical science and quantum technology,” said Professor Benjamin Thierry, a researcher at UniSA. “The potential commercial impact is enormous, with a global market projected to exceed $2 billion annually.”
Unlike traditional lymphatic mapping techniques that use radioactive tracers, this new quantum probe combined with FerroTrace offers a safer and more effective solution, according to Ferronova senior researcher Dr. Aidan Cousins. He highlighted that this technology is especially beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, where conventional methods have limited success.
“This technology could change the way cancer is treated, improving the lives of millions of patients globally,” Dr. Cousins added.
With promising clinical outcomes and significant commercial potential, this Australian innovation could mark a major step forward in the battle against cancer.
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