Optical assay system for intra operative assessment of tumor margins

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new optical device that differentiates cancer from normal tissues by measuring tissue composition, and meets the intraoperative performance requirement that surgeons demand. The surgeon surveys the tumor surface with a probe. If there is cancer left, the surgeon can see the cancerous areas and remove the remaining cancer while the patient is still on the table, thus preventing a second operation. This device is sensitive, low cost, fast (15 min for measurement) and reduces the re-operation rate by 5-fold.