Groundbreaking Aussie Tech Could Revolutionize GI Cancer Surgery
A pioneering Australian innovation is set to dramatically change how gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are identified and treated—through ultra-precise, minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Backed by a Federal Government AEA (Australia’s Economic Accelerator) Ignite Grant, researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) are developing a world-first laparoscopic probe that uses quantum technology to help surgeons pinpoint the spread of cancer with unprecedented accuracy.
This advancement promises to not only boost survival rates but also improve post-treatment quality of life for patients across the globe.
Dr. Nicole Dmochowska, leading the research team at UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, is spearheading the $405,050 project in collaboration with Ferronova, a company specializing in precision cancer surgery solutions.
The innovation centers around pairing a newly developed laparoscopic probe with Ferronova’s FerroTrace—an iron-oxide nanoparticle formulation. This powerful combo will make it easier to detect cancerous lymph nodes during operations, minimizing the need for invasive procedures that can cause serious complications and long-term side effects.
GI cancers are notoriously aggressive, often spreading to lymph nodes before they’re even diagnosed. Traditional surgery involves removing large portions of tissue, putting patients at risk for infections, digestive disorders, and reduced quality of life.
“Our goal is to empower surgeons with a cutting-edge tool—integrating quantum sensors into a minimally invasive probe—to precisely locate cancer-affected lymph nodes,” says Dr. Dmochowska. “This means more accurate surgery with less tissue damage and faster recovery for patients.”
This isn’t UniSA’s first success with quantum tech. A phase-1 clinical trial previously proved the feasibility of their magnetometer probes in treating oral cancer. The current project aims to shrink that tech down to fit keyhole surgery tools, marking a significant leap forward in cancer care.
Over eight years of research has gone into creating these magnetometer probes. The AEA grant will now support the development of a fully functional, preclinical prototype, ready to be tested in large animal models ahead of human trials.
Professor Benjamin Thierry, part of the UniSA team, emphasized how this aligns with national research priorities in quantum science and healthcare. “The global market potential is huge—estimated to exceed $2 billion annually.”
Ferronova’s Senior Researcher Dr. Aidan Cousins added that the combined use of the quantum probe and FerroTrace offers a safer, more effective alternative to conventional methods that use radioactive tracers.
“It’s especially useful for patients who’ve already undergone chemotherapy or radiation, where traditional mapping methods fall short,” says Dr. Cousins. “This could truly reshape how we approach cancer surgeries—offering a better future for millions.”
