Scientists develop cancer diagnosis implant

Researchers in Switzerland have developed an implant that can detect common types of cancer in the body and act as an early warning system by causing a small mole to form on skin.  A team from Zurich’s Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) have developed a prototype implant which can be inserted under the skin. It contains a network of cells which constantly monitor calcium levels in the body. Cancer can cause calcium levels to rise in the body. The implant detects when a threshold is exceeded and triggers the production of melanin, causing a small dark mole to form.  The implant can recognise the four most common types of cancer – prostate, lung, colon and breast cancer – at a very early stage. Cancer is the main cause of death alongside cardiovascular disease in industrialised countries. However, many of those affected are only diagnosed after a tumour has developed extensively. “Early detection increases the chance of survival significantly,” said Martin Fussenegger, ...