Laparoscopic probe promises advances in cancer treatment

Backed by the federal government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Grant, the development by researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) promises to transform the way that gastrointestinal cancers are detected and treated with precise, minimally invasive surgery.

Led by Dr Nicole Dmochowska from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, the $405,050 project is being undertaken in partnership with Ferronova.

The probe will work alongside Ferronova’s iron-oxide nanoparticle formulation (FerroTrace) to improve the detection of cancerous lymph nodes during surgery, reducing the need for extensive procedures that can lead to life-threatening complications and life-long side-effects for survivors.

Gastrointestinal cancers are among the deadliest, often spreading through the lymphatic system to distant lymph nodes before diagnosis. Traditional surgical methods involve removing large sections of tissue, increasing the risk of infections and long-term digestive issues.

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“By integrating state-of-the-art quantum sensors into a minimally invasive laparoscopic probe, we aim to give surgeons a powerful new tool to precisely locate affected lymph nodes,” Dr Dmochowska said in a statement. “This will potentially enable more targeted surgery, reducing the need for extensive tissue removal and improving post-surgical recovery.”