News
28 April, 2025
Transformative new tool for cancer treatment
New Australian technology is set to transform the way gastrointestinal cancers are detected and treated with precise, minimally invasive surgery.
Backed by the Federal Government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Grant, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) are using quantum technology to develop a first-of-its-kind laparoscopic probe that will allow surgeons to accurately map the spread of tumours.
The technology has the potential to improve cancer survival rates and patient quality of life worldwide. Led by Dr. Nicole Dmochowska from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, the $405,050 project is being undertaken in partnership with precision cancer surgery company 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 often lead to life-threatening complications and lifelong 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.
The UniSA research team has already demonstrated the feasibility of the quantum sensor-based magnetometer probes in a successful phase-1 clinical trial for oral cancer. Researchers have spent more than eight years developing the magnetometer probes for cancer surgery. Preclinical trials are expected to start within the next year.
