It could have an especially significant impact in low- and middle-income countries that don’t have widespread availability of CT scanners, the researchers say. This approach could potentially replace or supplement the current gold standard for diagnosing lung cancer, low-dose computed tomography (CT). If the sensors encounter cancer-linked proteins in the lungs, they produce a signal that accumulates in the urine, where it can be detected with a simple paper test strip. The new diagnostic is based on nanosensors that can be delivered by an inhaler or a nebulizer. Using a new technology developed at MIT, diagnosing lung cancer could become as easy as inhaling nanoparticle sensors and then taking a urine test that reveals whether a tumor is present.
