Revolutionizing cancer diagnosis
Researchers are working on developing "flavoured lollipops" that could potentially detect mouth cancer without the need for invasive and painful procedures.
Kind and efficient alternative
Instead of the current method involving invasive biopsies, these lollipops made from smart hydrogels aim to provide a quicker and gentler way to diagnose mouth cancer.
How it works
The lollipops are created using smart hydrogel material that can capture proteins and saliva samples in the mouth, potentially identifying biomarkers of cancer. The captured proteins can later be analyzed in a lab setting.
Funding and future prospects
This innovative project has received funding from Cancer Research UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Researchers are now exploring different flavors for the lollipops to make the experience more pleasant for patients.
A patient's perspective
Rachel Parsons, who underwent a painful biopsy procedure for mouth cancer in the past, expressed excitement about the prospect of using lollipops for diagnosis, describing it as a much more appealing option compared to traditional biopsies.
