Innovative 'iKnife' Revolutionizes Brain Tumor Surgery
Flanders, Wednesday, 24 July 2024.
Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland allocates €2 million to advance the ‘intelligent knife’ (iKnife) for brain tumor removal. This groundbreaking tool uses mass spectrometry to identify cancerous tissue with 98% accuracy in seconds, potentially reducing tumor recurrence rates and improving surgical outcomes.
The iKnife Technology
The iKnife functions by creating smoke during surgery, which contains molecular fingerprints of the tissue. This smoke is then analyzed using mass spectrometry, allowing surgeons to distinguish between cancerous and healthy tissue in real-time. This precision is crucial, as approximately 60% of brain tumor patients experience a recurrence within five years post-surgery due to remaining cancer cells[1].
Development and Funding
The development of the iKnife is a collaborative effort supported by Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland, along with Provincial Limburg and Dutch national co-financing. The initiative has received over €2 million in funding to enhance the technology further. Key players in this project include researchers from the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Institute (M4I) and companies like Next Generation Sensors and Aspect Analytics, which contribute to the navigator’s development and statistical analysis[1].
Clinical Impact and Testing
Neurosurgeons from several hospitals, such as Maastricht UMC+, Zuyderland in Sittard, UZ Leuven, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg in Genk, and AZ Groeninge in Kortrijk, are involved in testing the iKnife. They provide valuable feedback throughout the development process. According to Olaf Schijns, a neurosurgeon from Maastricht, the iKnife’s ability to quickly recognize tumor cells during surgery could lead to more complete tumor removal without damaging healthy tissue, significantly improving patient outcomes[1].
Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland’s Broader Impact
The success of the iKnife is just one example of how Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland fosters innovation through cross-border collaboration. Projects like CrossRoads help Flemish and Dutch startups leverage their complementary expertise. Another initiative, StimulanZ, focuses on developing simulation environments for future healthcare professionals, addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in the healthcare sector[2].
Future Prospects
The iKnife’s potential extends beyond brain surgeries. Its application in other types of cancer surgeries could revolutionize surgical oncology, making procedures safer and more effective. As the development progresses, the collaborative efforts between Belgian and Dutch entities under the Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland initiative will continue to play a pivotal role in bringing cutting-edge innovations to the forefront of medical science[1].