Pen detects cancer in just 10 seconds

MasSpec Pen invented by American scientists can identify cancer cells in 10 seconds and support intervention.

Scientists from the University of Texas (USA) have just invented a tool to detect cancerous tissue in just 10 seconds. According to CNBC, the product called MasSpec Pen speeds up the testing process by 150 times, thereby helping to make surgery to remove tumors more accurate. Tests on 253 patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer and ovarian cancer showed that the pen was 96% effective.

The MasSpec Pen can detect cancer in 10 seconds. Photo: Texas University.

Explaining how the MasSpec Pen works, the authors said that each type of cancer has its own molecular structure like a "fingerprint". When placed on suspected cancerous tissue, the MasSpec Pen will secrete a drop of water to absorb the molecules and then transfer this drop of water to an analyzer to see if cancer exists or not.

Once the test is complete, the words "normal" or "cancer" will automatically appear on the computer screen. For common cancers such as lung cancer, the disease name will also be given.

“We want to help patients have more thorough, faster, and safer surgery,” said James Suliburk of Baylor College of Medicine, a co-author on the project. “This technique meets all three criteria. It allows us to determine what tissue to remove and what tissue to keep.”

MasSpec Pen is currently awaiting approval to be brought to market.

According to VNE