In a new study, scientists have trialed a wireless brain implant that activates nanoparticles to zap tumors with heat. The brain implants are said to be able to remove deadly brain tumors in as little as 10 minutes, and the team claims that the technology could save 100,000 Americans every year.
The wireless brain implant is made up of two parts: a transmitter outside of the skull and an antenna inside the skull. The antenna is placed next to the tumor and emits infrared light that heat up the nanoparticles, which in turn kills the tumor cells. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes and is minimally invasive. There are no side effects, and the patient can go home the same day.
According to Stanford,
Over a four-year collaboration, the team created a system that can generate heat precisely at the site of tumors to kill them. A small, wirelessly powered device is implanted between the skin and the skull. Then specially designed gold nanoparticles are injected into the tumor through a tiny hole in the skull.
When turned on, the device emits infrared light that can penetrate brain tissue to activate the nanoparticles, which increase in temperature by up to 5 degrees Celsius. That’s enough to kill the cancer cells over repeated treatments without damaging the surrounding brain tissue.
By adjusting the power and wavelength of light, researchers can target tumors of different sizes and locations in the brain. The structure and dosage of the nanoparticles are calibrated to generate just the right amount of heat.
The researchers tested their device in mice that had been given human-derived brain tumors. The mice appeared to be undisturbed.
“We think this short amount of heating, which is in the clinically acceptable range, is not affecting normal activities,” Arami said.
The wireless brain implant has the potential to save thousands of lives every year. It is minimally invasive, has no side effects, and can be completed in a single day. The implant can also be reused multiple times, which makes it more cost-effective than other treatments. Additionally, the wireless brain implant can be used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The wireless brain implant is a promising new treatment for brain tumors. The minimally invasive procedure has no side effects and can be completed in a single day. The implant can also be reused multiple times, which makes it more cost-effective than other treatments. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, ask your doctor if this new treatment might be right for you.