Diamond sensor could be ‘game changer’ for cancer

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new diamond-based sensor they say could be a “game changer” in detecting the spread of tumours.

The non-toxic and non-radioactive device uses the unique properties of diamonds to diagnose metastasised breast cancer. Metastasis is the process where cancer spreads through the body, often through lymph nodes.

Developed with the help of staff at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, the sensor works by detecting magnetic tracer fluid injected into a patient during breast cancer surgery. This enables surgeons to locate and remove affected lymph nodes, aiming to stop the cancer spreading.

At just 10mm across, it is the first diamond sensor small enough for keyhole and endoscopic surgery. The team said it can detect as little as one hundredth of a typical clinical dose of magnetic tracer fluid.

Alex Newman is a PhD student in the department of physics at the University of Warwick and first author of the study.

Newman said: “For this new diamond-based sensor, we managed to get the size of the sensor head down to just 10mm, which means it is the first diamond sensor to be able to detect magnetic tracer fluid while being small enough for endoscopic use and keyhole surgery.

“It is also very sensitive, capable of detecting one hundredth of the typical full clinical dose of magnetic tracer fluid.”

Professor Gavin Morley, senior author and group leader in the department, explained that diamonds can sense magnetic fields “thanks to colour centres in the diamond, called nitrogen vacancy centres.”

The university said cancer tracing has traditionally been done using radioactive substances, which not every hospital can handle, or with blue dye, which can trigger allergic reactions in about one per cent of cases.

It added that magnetic tracer fluids are already becoming more common, but the diamond device could allow for a smaller, more sensitive sensor without bulky electronics.

Researchers believe the technology could also help patients with lung, liver, colorectal and oesophageal cancers.