A small, implantable device has the capability to sense and treat cancer. The developers have shown how the device can continuously monitor cancer, adjust immunotherapy doses. The device works by harnessing living engineered cells to synthesise and to deliver therapies.
Based on the success to date, the scientists behind the development aim to conduct human trials during the project’s fourth year. The development has been led by Northwestern University scientists.
The device can sense inflammatory markers associated with cancer and then autonomously deliver immunotherapy. The device measures just one centimetre in diameter. Here, the small implant houses living engineered cells that both synthesize and deliver therapies when needed.
With the implantation, the device can be inserted into a specific area using a minimally invasive procedure.
The development arc has been mapped out over the next four years. During this time the researchers will develop the technology and test it on small and large animal models. In the fourth year, the researchers will begin human clinical trials, starting with patients who have recurring ovarian cancer.
With the development, the main challenge was to overcome the harsh environment inside the human body, which is inhospitable to electronics. This challenge exists because the body is constantly moving, and it also is filled with fluids that could corrode the implant.
It was also necessary to find ways to achieve stable and continuous monitoring of biochemical signals. This is supported by real-time readouts of cancer progression and therapy.
The aim is to develop a device to provide personalised therapy, tailored to individual cancer patients. At the heart of the device is the emerging field of bioelectronics coupled with synthetic biology. This takes the form of soft, biocompatible electronics equipped with living engineered cells that can synthesise and deliver therapeutic biomolecules. To do so required a number of experts in different fields to come together: Engineers, physicians and multidisciplinary specialists in synthetic biology, materials science, immunology, oncology, electrical engineering and artificial intelligence.
Going forwards, this concept of a regulated cell-based therapy may also prove to be promising for other areas of medicine.
In the short term it is hoped the implant will be tested and commercialised to improve immunotherapy outcomes for patients with ovarian, pancreatic and other difficult-to-treat cancers.
