Researchers at Rice University have received a staggering $45 million in funding to develop an implant-based treatment system for cancer. This breakthrough technology, known as “sense-and-respond implant technology,” aims to improve the outcomes of immunotherapy treatments for difficult to treat cancers.
The three-inch implant, named HAMMR (Hyperspectral Agile Imaging with Real-time Microrobotics), will continuously monitor cancer and adjust immunotherapy doses in real time. This innovative system will deliver immunotherapy drugs to patients through a closed loop system, similar to how diabetes patients receive insulin through pumps.
The potential impact of this implant is groundbreaking, as the researchers hope that it will be able to cure cancer in as little as two months. By providing real-time data from the tumor environment, the implant will enable more effective and informed novel therapies.
The technology is specifically applicable for peritoneal cancers that affect the pancreas, liver, lungs, and other organs. The research team, known as THOR (Targeted Hyperthermia Orthogonal Rotation), consists of experts from 20 labs in seven states. The collaboration among these experts will ensure the success of this groundbreaking project.
The first clinical trial using the HAMMR implant will investigate its effectiveness for recurrent ovarian cancer. If successful, this trial could be the first step towards human trials, which are expected to begin within the next five years.
The potential of this implant technology has already been demonstrated in previous research conducted by the team. In mouse studies, late-stage ovarian and colorectal cancers were eradicated within just six days. The HAMMR implant represents the next iteration of this approach, bringing hope to cancer patients worldwide.
This exciting development in cancer treatment has sparked considerable interest within the medical community and beyond. The funding received by Rice University reflects the significance and potential impact of the implant-based treatment system. As research progresses, it is hoped that this innovative technology will provide a much-needed breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
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