A research team led by Dr. Ho Sang Jung at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has made a major leap in cancer diagnostics, unveiling an innovative sensor material that amplifies optical signals from cancer metabolites in body fluids. With artificial intelligence (AI) in the mix, the potential for rapid, non-invasive cancer detection has taken a significant stride forward. This development promises to replace the invasive blood draws and biopsies traditionally used to diagnose cancer, offering a faster, more sensitive alternative.
Amplifying Cancer Detection in Body Fluids
The new sensor technology detects changes in cancer patients’ body fluids—such as saliva, mucus, or urine—with impressive sensitivity. This innovation was realized through plasmonic materials that amplify Raman signals up to 100 million times. The AI integration then analyzes the signals to diagnose cancer with high precision.
In collaboration with Chonnam National University Hospital, the team tested their technology on colorectal cancer patients, using a plasmonic needle to amplify the Raman signals during colonoscopy. The process involves swabbing the tumor surface without causing bleeding and analyzing its composition. This breakthrough method enables non-invasive diagnosis right at the site of the tumor.
Key features of this development include:
- Plasmonic materials: Used to amplify optical signals by over 100 million times.
- AI-driven analysis: Helps identify cancer biomarkers from body fluids.
- Non-invasive methods: Avoids traditional blood tests and biopsies.
Additionally, the sensor technology was successfully applied to lung cancer patients. By collecting saliva samples, the team categorized the cancer’s stage by detecting specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the breath of patients. These VOCs dissolve in saliva and act as biomarkers for lung cancer, allowing paper-based sensors to differentiate between healthy individuals and cancer patients.
Dog-like Precision in Sensing Cancer
Dogs have long been known to detect certain diseases, like cancer, through their acute sense of smell. Inspired by this, the research team developed technology that mimics a dog’s ability to detect cancer metabolites. Using sensors that capture the minute presence of VOCs in body fluids, they sought to replicate what dogs can smell naturally.
This AI-powered diagnostic system doesn’t require complex, expensive equipment. By amplifying Raman signals, it detects cancer signals in body fluids with remarkable accuracy. The team’s success in applying this method to both colorectal and lung cancers demonstrates its potential to become a widely adopted diagnostic tool.
Testing on Multiple Cancers Using Urine Samples
Last year, the team extended its research to cancer detection using urine. Partnering with SOLUM Healthcare, they developed a method to analyze urine samples for multiple cancers simultaneously. In 2024, their efforts reached a new milestone: they successfully detected pancreatic, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers from a single urine sample.
In a study involving 250 patients, the AI-powered technology analyzed the samples, delivering results in under two hours with clinical sensitivity and specificity exceeding 98%. This breakthrough has enabled rapid, multi-cancer detection in a non-invasive, user-friendly format.
Here’s what sets this technology apart:
- Multi-cancer detection: A single urine sample can now indicate multiple cancers.
- Quick turnaround: Results are available within two hours.
- AI integration: Boosts accuracy, with sensitivity and specificity rates surpassing 98%.
The team has already filed 10 patents across Korea, the U.S., and Europe, and their research has been recognized in prominent journals like Biosensors and Bioelectronics and Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical, further solidifying the impact of this cutting-edge technology.
Towards a Future of Non-Invasive Cancer Screening
Dr. Ho Sang Jung, the lead researcher, envisions a future where this technology isn’t limited to cancer detection but can also be used for diagnosing diseases with currently elusive diagnostics, like neurological disorders. His ambition is to expand this groundbreaking AI sensor technology to markets worldwide, making it accessible and widely applicable for various health conditions.
The backing from the National Research Foundation of Korea and KIMS’ continued support in materials science research underscores the confidence in this technology’s potential. By partnering with leading hospitals and research institutions, the team is poised to bring this technology into mainstream diagnostic use, bridging the gap between high-tech innovation and real-world clinical application.
The research marks a pivotal moment in the fight against cancer. By providing a non-invasive, AI-driven diagnostic tool, the door to earlier, more accessible cancer detection is now wide open—paving the way for a future where a simple test could mean the difference between life and death.
