Scientists at Nottingham Trent University innovate with a bra-insert device to track tumour growth

Scientists are on the brink of a significant medical breakthrough with the development of a device designed to fit within a bra, aimed at monitoring breast cancer by detecting tumour growth in real time. This innovative technology, currently under development at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), promises a new horizon in the proactive management of breast cancer, potentially saving lives by enabling early intervention.

The device operates on a sophisticated principle, employing a form of electrical current capable of scanning and detecting minuscule changes in fluids within and surrounding cells. By measuring the density and water content in breast tissue, the device can identify tumour presence and growth, sensitive to changes as slight as 2mm.

Dr. Yang Wei, leading the research at NTU’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, emphasized the device’s potential to significantly enhance a patient’s survival chances. The non-invasive nature of this technology allows for its integration into everyday garments, like a bra insert or a specially designed bra, without disrupting the wearer’s normal life.

Moreover, this device aims to complement existing treatment regimens and diagnostic tests, offering continuous monitoring capabilities. Data collected by the device could be transmitted to both the patient and their healthcare provider via smartphone, allowing for timely and informed medical assessments.

The implications of this technology extend beyond patient care, promising to alleviate the burden on healthcare services by reducing the frequency of traditional diagnostic procedures. Given the variable growth rates of tumours, which are challenging to monitor accurately, this device offers a promising solution for keeping track of tumour development between medical appointments, potentially catching aggressive growth early.

With breast cancer affecting over 55,000 individuals annually in the UK alone, the urgency for innovative detection and treatment methods is clear. Dr. Simon Vincent of Breast Cancer Now highlights the critical need for continued research in improving breast cancer outcomes.

While the device represents a cutting-edge approach to breast cancer monitoring, it is still in the developmental phase, with clinical trials expected in the coming years. As the scientific community and patients alike await further testing and validation, the potential for this technology to revolutionize breast cancer management holds a beacon of hope for those affected by the disease.