Engineers at Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) in Munchen, Germany developed an electronic sensor chip that can be implanted close to the tumor to determine the oxygen content in a patient’s tissue fluid. The data can be wirelessly transmitted to the patient’s doctor to support the choice of therapy. A drop in oxygen content in tissue surrounding a tumor indicates that the tumor may be growing faster.
"We designed the sensor chip to self-calibrate to a set dissolved oxygen concentration at measurement intervals," said engineer and project manager Sven Becker. "In addition, we enclosed the sensor chip, analysis electronics, transmitter and batteries in a biocompatible plastic housing."
The engineers plan to make several improvements to the technology, by adding more sensors for measuring acidity and temperature, and developing a miniature medication pump that can release chemotherapeutic agents in direct proximity to the tumor if necessary.
For more information, visit the Technische Universitaet Muenchen .
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