Multimodal nanoparticles allow diagnosis and monitoring of cancers via urine tests and PET scans

Cancers are highly idiosyncratic, so careful monitoring of tumors for progression and response treatment is essential to maximize patient outcomes. Researchers now report on an injectable nanosensor technology that can be utilized to identify the presence of tumors with a simple urine test and pinpoint their location through positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This technology has long been the subject of research for Sangeeta Bhatia, The technology is based on iron oxide nanoparticles decorated with proteins that are cleaved by specific matrix metalloproteases, which are expressed by tumors. When the nanoparticles encounter a tumor in the body, the surface proteins...