Iranian scientists develop device for early diagnosis of blood cancer

Researchers at Shiraz University have created a small optical olfactory device designed to detect blood cancers at an early stage. The system uses special nanomaterials – fluorescent carbon quantum dots and metallic nanoclusters – to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in blood, which are known to be linked with leukaemia. This is reported by IRNA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The device includes a paper strip coated with sensing elements, placed inside a small 3D-printed chamber. A blood sample of 60 microlitres is enough for testing. After being warmed for three hours, the sample causes visible changes in the sensors, which are then analysed by computer to show whether the blood is healthy or cancerous.

In trials, the system was used on samples from 70 patients with newly diagnosed acute leukaemia and 51 healthy volunteers aged 20–50. The results showed that the device was able to clearly separate cancerous from healthy cases.

The researchers said that more studies with larger groups of patients are needed to confirm the findings and move towards clinical use. They noted that, if validated, the device could offer a simpler and faster alternative for cancer detection and may be adapted for other diseases linked to similar biomarkers.