A new method for tumor detection using induced acoustic waves from tagged magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract Magnetoacoustic detection is a new method for the noninvasive, early detection of cancer. It uses specific superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) that bind to tumor sites together with magnetic excitation and acoustic detection of the tumor-NPs complex. This work tests the feasibility of such method theoretically and experimentally. An extensive analytic model has been developed that shows an ability to detect small tumors, a few centimeters deep inside the tissue. A series of experiments were conducted to validate the theoretical model. The performance of specially designed solenoids was measured, and the detection of the tumor presence in phantom was demonstrated. Experimental results agree well with the theoretical calculations, providing preliminary proof of concept. We demonstrate the ability to detect a 5-mm diameter spherical tumor located 3 cm deep. Instrumentation and measurements are inexpensive and accurate. The accuracy, speed, and costs of this method show the potential for early detection of cancer. From the Clinical Editor A sensitive and cost effective magentoacoustic tumor detection method is presented in this paper using superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The method is demonstrated in a phantom by detecting a 5-mm diameter spherical tumor located 3 cm deep.