Reviewed by Lexie CornerApr 8 2025
Researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) are using quantum technology to develop a unique laparoscopic probe capable of precisely mapping tumor spread.
Dr. Aidan Cousins, Dr. Nicole Dmochowska, and Professor Benjamin Thierry in their lab. Image Credit: University of South Australia
The new Australian technology aims to improve the detection and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers using minimally invasive surgical methods. The research is supported by the Federal Government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Grant.
This technology could contribute to improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life for patients worldwide.
The project, led by Dr. Nicole Dmochowska from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, is a collaboration with Ferronova, a company specializing in precision cancer surgery. The $405,050 project focuses on the development of a probe that will work alongside Ferronova’s iron-oxide nanoparticle formulation (FerroTrace) to enhance the detection of cancerous lymph nodes during surgery. The goal is to minimize the need for extensive surgeries, which can lead to life-threatening complications and long-term side effects for patients.
Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most dangerous, often spreading through the lymphatic system to distant lymph nodes before diagnosis. Traditional surgical methods involve removing large sections of tissue, which increases the risk of infections and long-term digestive issues.
By integrating state-of-the-art quantum sensors into a minimally invasive laparoscopic probe, we aim to give surgeons a powerful new tool to precisely locate affected lymph nodes.
Dr. Nicole Dmochowska, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia
“This will potentially enable more targeted surgery, reducing the need for extensive tissue removal and improving post-surgical recovery,” said Dmochowska.
The UniSA research team has demonstrated the effectiveness of their quantum sensor-based magnetometer probes in a successful initial clinical trial for oral cancer.
Building on this success, the new project aims to miniaturize the probe for use in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, which will allow for more precise and less invasive cancer treatments.
The team has spent over eight years developing these magnetometer probes for cancer surgery. The AEA Ignite grant will support the next phase of development, which includes creating a fully operational, preclinically validated prototype for testing in large animal models before proceeding to human clinical trials.
This research aligns with Australia’s national priority areas in both medical science and quantum technology.
Benjamin Thierry, Researcher and Professor, University of South Australia
“The commercial potential is immense, with an anticipated global market exceeding $2 billion annually,” said Prof Thierry.
According to Dr. Aidan Cousins, senior researcher and development engineer at Ferronova, the combination of the quantum probe and FerroTrace offers a safer and more effective approach compared to current lymphatic mapping techniques that use radioactive tracers.
“This technology is particularly promising for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery, where conventional lymphatic mapping methods have limited effectiveness,” said Dr. Cousins.
“This could be a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, enhancing the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide,” said Dr. Cousins.
Animal model testing is anticipated to begin within the next twelve months.