In cancer diagnostics, tissue biopsy has long been considered the “gold standard” for definitive diagnosis. However, in practice, it involves tissue excision or the insertion of large needles, causing patients significant pain, scarring, bleeding, and risk of infection. In particularly sensitive organs such as the brain, lungs, and pancreas, repeated biopsies are difficult and sometimes even dangerous. Diagnostic delays while waiting for biopsy results can negatively affect prognosis. Thus, while traditional biopsies offer diagnostic accuracy, they pose significant limitations in efficiency and patient comfort. For years, the medical community has sought technologies that can obtain samples quickly and safely, without tissue damage.

A research team at King’s College London has responded to this need by embedding millions of ultra-thin silicon nanoneedles (tens to hundreds of nanometers in diameter) into a thin, plaster-like patch. These nanoneedles, roughly 1,000 times thinner than a human hair, gently penetrate the extracellular membrane simply by being placed on the tissue surface, collecting various biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and mRNA. Since no incision or deep insertion is required, there is little pain or bleeding, and the patch demonstrates high biocompatibility with minimal side effects. This enables clinicians to obtain high-precision molecular samples without damaging the tissue, representing a transformative advancement in cancer diagnostics.

The collected molecular data is precisely analyzed using high-performance mass spectrometry and AI-based algorithms, enabling diagnosis within 20 minutes. Not only can the presence of cancer be detected, but tumor type and tissue grading can also be assessed. Compared to traditional biopsy processes that take several days, this rapid turnaround allows for real-time application even during surgery. For instance, during brain surgery, the patch can be applied to suspicious lesions, and the results used to immediately adjust the surgical scope and direction, increasing success rates while minimizing unnecessary tissue damage.

Because the nanoneedle patch does not disrupt the tissue, it can be applied repeatedly to the same area, allowing for continuous collection of molecular samples. This enables visualization of molecular changes over time—before and after treatment, during recovery, or prior to recurrence—forming what is known as a “molecular map.” Such a map allows clinicians to observe important biological changes such as tumor growth, drug response, and recurrence potential over time, and to develop more precise, personalized treatment strategies based on these insights.

In preclinical studies, nanoneedle patches were applied to 23 human and animal brain tumor samples. The patches accurately distinguished various tumor types, such as glioblastoma and meningioma, with results produced within 20 minutes. This achievement goes beyond the role of a simple diagnostic tool, demonstrating the potential of spatial biology: the ability to simultaneously analyze and map the spatial and temporal molecular information of the same tissue. It marks a critical first step toward molecular-based diagnostic tools that can be used immediately in operating rooms.

This technology is manufactured using semiconductor lithography processes, allowing for mass production using the same methods as computer chips. This lowers manufacturing costs and reduces barriers to clinical adoption. Additionally, the patch can be easily integrated into various medical devices such as bandages, endoscopic tips, and contact lenses, enabling application to the oral cavity, respiratory system, skin, brain, and other organs. Moreover, the patch holds promise for diagnosing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune disorders, greatly broadening its potential applications.

Currently, the technology remains in the preclinical stage. Moving forward, it must demonstrate safety and efficacy in human clinical trials (Phases 1 and 2). Institutional groundwork—including AI algorithm validation, medical device approval, insurance reimbursement codes, and incorporation into diagnostic guidelines—is also essential. Furthermore, it will require customized designs tailored to each disease, refinement of production processes, and the establishment of training systems to ensure healthcare professionals can use the technology effectively in clinical settings.

In conclusion, the nanoneedle patch—characterized by non-invasiveness, painlessness, real-time analysis, and repeatability—is poised to revolutionize the very approach to cancer diagnostics. Patients will experience less pain and anxiety while undergoing efficient testing, and clinicians will be able to design more accurate treatment strategies through molecular-based real-time diagnostics in just 20 minutes. This will be particularly valuable in surgical settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. If clinical implementation is realized within the next five years, it could drive a broad transformation of diagnostic and therapeutic systems—not only for cancer but also for intractable diseases—toward precision and personalized medicine, ushering in a new era in healthcare.

Nature Nanotechnology – June 16, 2025, "Nanoneedle patch offers painless alternative to traditional cancer biopsies," King’s College London.