The long-term objective of this project is to bring to clinical practice a novel technology for the real-time and non-invasive measurement of cancer-related analytes. This technology consists of a sensor implanted at the time of a tumor biopsy to allow subsequent monitoring of tumor analytes such as pH and p02 through magnetic resonance methods.
The specific aims of the project are as follows: design and execute preclinical studies in support of a Premarl
The second aim i n this project is the development of two minimally-invasive sensor formats with reduced dimensions compared to the current sensor size. Each of these formats will afford a different advantage to the device. The biopsy-implantable sensor, fitted with a coil, will allow reading of the device without the use of a costly MRI scanner, while the injectable sensor will simplify the implantation procedure ofthe device, without requiring surgery or a biopsy. The biopsy-implantable sensor will be validated in vitro and in vivo by pH measurements with a benchtop one-sided NMR, using the mouse model developed forthe first specific aim. The injectable sensor will consist of 3 parts which may be investigated concurrently: fabrication of semi-permeable microspheres containing the sensing agent;development ofthe injectable device matrix;and in situ control ofthe size and shape of the device. The device will be validated in vitro and in vivo similarly to the biopsy-implantable sensor.
Public Health Relevance
Existing technology that assesses cancer treatment efficacy is cumbersome, costly and in the case of pH and p02, highly invasive. Approval ofthe pH and p02 sensors for commercialization will not only improve clinical care by providing the oncologist with a real-time and non-invasive monitoring tool, but will allow the development of a versatile technological platform capable of detecting any analyte with the appropriate sensing agent.
