Second prize at the RWTH Innovation Award goes to an electromagnetically heatable nanomodified stent for the treatment of tumours in hollow organs.
A hollow organ tumour, such as one in the bile duct or the oesophagus, is present in about every fourth cancer patient who passes away from the disease. Typically, surgery is not an option for removing such a tumour. A stent, or tube-shaped prosthesis, can only be used to temporarily open a hollow organ. The tumour returns, nevertheless, and enters the hollow organ through the stent.
The RWTH Aachen University’s Institute of Applied Medical Technology’s Ioana Slabu and the Institute für Textiltechnik’s Benedict Bauer have created a novel method for treating hollow organ tumours that came in second in the competition. Innovative Prize. In this, magnetic nanoparticles are contained in a polymer stent. These nanoparticles cause a regulated heating of the stent material and therefore of the tumour when electromagnetic fields are used. When the tumour reacts to heat far more strongly than healthy tissue does, it is killed, leaving the hollow organ uncovered. As a result, the stent starts to clean itself.
Magnetic hyperthermia has a production method and a proof of concept already. Because it can be utilised to treat cardiovascular problems as well as tumours in other areas of the body including the prostate, stomach, gut, or urinary bladder, this revolutionary technique has a very high development potential. The BMWK-funded “ProNano” initiative served as the launchpad for the AiF/IGF project. The authorization for the ProNano2, a follow-up project, has also been accepted. The approved project, which is financed by the BMBF through the VIP+ programme, LInk, is titled “Validation of the Innovation Potential of Heatable Stents for Heat-Induced Treatment of Cavity Tumors.” The cooperation is strengthened by the clinical and financial know-how of the Clinic for General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery of the University Hospital Aachen and the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management at RWTH Aachen University.
The Innovation Prize is given annually by RWTH Aachen University to recognise highly inventive university undertakings. Four exceptional RWTHtransparent initiatives received accreditation from Professor Malte Brettel, Prorector for Business and Industry.
