Imagine if you could identify cancer tissue in just a few seconds—it would revolutionize surgery. The Livia Eberlin research team at the University of Texas has developed a groundbreaking technology that brings this vision closer to reality. Their innovation, called the MasSpec probe, is designed to detect cancerous tissue in real time during surgical procedures.
The device made its debut at this week’s SXSW festival. Marta Sans, an assistant researcher on the team, explained: “The MasSpec pen is a handheld tool that can diagnose cancer tissue within 20 seconds using a mass spectrometer.†This rapid detection could change how surgeons operate and reduce the risks associated with traditional methods.
The probe works by directly touching the tissue, allowing it to collect molecular data. Surgeons can control the device via a foot switch, which triggers the release of a tiny water droplet. This droplet extracts molecules from the tissue, which are then analyzed using mass spectrometry. By creating a unique molecular fingerprint, the system can determine whether the tissue is cancerous or healthy.
“This allows us to quickly and accurately distinguish between cancerous and normal tissue,†Sans said. For doctors, this is a game-changer. Traditionally, distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue during surgery has been challenging, and waiting for lab results can take hours. This delay can lead to incomplete removal of tumors, increasing the risk of recurrence.
Dr. Leonard Lichtenfeld from the American Cancer Society noted: “In the past, surgeons had to take samples, send them for frozen section analysis, and wait for pathologists to confirm whether all cancer was removed. It was a slow and uncertain process.â€
He added: “If cancer cells are left behind, they can regrow, spread, or cause serious complications. That’s why accurate, real-time diagnosis during surgery is so crucial.â€
Despite its speed, the MasSpec probe is also highly accurate. Researchers tested it on 300 patient samples and found it can detect four types of cancer—breast, thyroid, ovarian, and lung—with over 96% accuracy. It also helps avoid removing healthy tissue, reducing unnecessary damage.
Sans believes the technology could bring significant benefits to both patients and the healthcare system. Lichtenfeld shares this optimism but emphasizes that translating lab success into clinical use takes time. “We need to see real-world effectiveness before it becomes standard practice,†he said.
Currently, the MasSpec probe hasn’t been used on human patients during surgery. However, three units will soon be installed in Texas hospitals, including Dell Medical School, the Anderson Cancer Center, and Baylor College of Medicine. The FDA has approved the technology, but full implementation may still take years due to regulatory processes.
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