A flexible electronic strain sensor for the real-time monitoring of tumor regression

Sci Adv. 2022 Sep 16;8(37):eabn6550. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abn6550. Epub 2022 Sep 16.

Abstract

Assessing the efficacy of cancer therapeutics in mouse models is a critical step in treatment development. However, low-resolution measurement tools and small sample sizes make determining drug efficacy in vivo a difficult and time-intensive task. Here, we present a commercially scalable wearable electronic strain sensor that automates the in vivo testing of cancer therapeutics by continuously monitoring the micrometer-scale progression or regression of subcutaneously implanted tumors at the minute time scale. In two in vivo cancer mouse models, our sensor discerned differences in tumor volume dynamics between drug- and vehicle-treated tumors within 5 hours following therapy initiation. These short-term regression measurements were validated through histology, and caliper and bioluminescence measurements taken over weeklong treatment periods demonstrated the correlation with longer-term treatment response. We anticipate that real-time tumor regression datasets could help expedite and automate the process of screening cancer therapies in vivo.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Electronics*
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Mice