Institute For The Future

Coming soon to a tumor in you—an RFID sensor

The FDA has approved a new generation of RFID sensors for use during radiation therapy. The tiny devices (2mm in diameter, 18mm long) are injected into a breast or prostate tumor and send back readings to an external receiver via RFID.

According to the news item in Medgadget, here's what the device can measure and transmit back:

 

the actual radiation dose hitting the tumor

the uptake and retention of a particular chemotherapeutic agent

the temperature during hyperthermia treatment

the evaluation of combination therapies, monitoring the effects of

chemotherapy and radiation therapy, both individually and together

the level of parameters such as pH or oxygen

 

The device's manufacturer, Sicel Technologies, reports that it will market this "next-generation of the company’s original DVS (Dose Verification System) wireless implantable dosimeter that remains the only device to measure actual radiation dose at the tumor site for use in treating breast and prostate cancer patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy." This dosimeter is

 

specifically calibrated for use with radiation therapy protocols that give patients higher single doses of radiation over a shorter period of time compared to conventional radiation therapy. Also, known as hypo-fractionated therapy, treatment with higher radiation doses over fewer treatments has been highly effective in treating some tumors and is becoming more popular. However, it is critical that physicians confirm that the actual intended dose reaches the target tumor to maximize the therapeutic benefit as well as to avoid damaging healthy tissue. 

 

The thought of having an RFID device implanted in me makes me a little uncomfortable, but I am impressed by the benefits it can provide.