A team of researchers from the University of Leeds, who are behind the project, say the device is the first-of-its-kind.
Experts, who published their study in Science Robotics, explained that the tiny magnetic robot can take 3D scans from within the gut. In other words, the creation enables ‘virtual biopsies’ – non-invasive scans that deliver fast diagnostic data.
A graphic showcasing how the new technology works.
There’s no denying the fact that a robot can perform biopsies is very impressive, however the researchers claim the key to success was the use of a little-known 3D shape called the oloid. This permits the robot to perform a previously impossible range of motion – the roll – essential for navigating inside of the body.
‘For the first time, this research enables us to reconstruct a 3D ultrasound image taken from a probe deep inside the gut – something that has never been done before,’ Pietro Valdastri, who coordinated the research behind this paper said. ‘This approach enables in-situ tissue analysis and diagnosis of colorectal cancer, with immediate results. The process of diagnosing colorectal cancer suddenly requires a tissue sample to be removed, then sent to a lab, with results taking from one to three weeks.’
There probably wouldn’t be a time that an invention like this wouldn’t be well received, but the current wait times for cancer diagnosis’ and treatment in England suggests it couldn’t have come at a better time. This month Cancer Research UK published figures illustrating only 67.3% of people in this country received their diagnosis and started their first treatment within two months of an urgent referral.
Postgraduate researcher Nikita Greenidge, lead author of the paper added: ‘By combining our advanced robotics with medical ultrasound imaging, we take this innovation one step ahead of traditional colonoscopy, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat in single procedure – eliminating the wait between diagnosis and intervention. This not only makes the process more comfortable for patients but also reduced waiting times, minimises repeat procedures, and alleviates the anxiety of waiting for potential cancer results.’
‘Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the UK and globally, but if detected early it is highly treatable,’ she continued. ‘This research presents a new approach that could significantly improve early diagnosis with a minimally invasive approach and could also, in future, facilitate targeted ultrasound-triggered drug delivery for more effective treatment.’
The research, which can be accessed in full here, was funded by UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the European Commission (EC), the European Research Council (ERC), and the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre.
Although the project is still in the early stages, the research team are now hoping to advance to clinical trials which could commence as early as 2026.
Photos by Angiola Harry via UnSplash and STORM Lab, University of Leeds.
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