Kingston Team Unveils Innovative Biopsy Capsule for Brain Cancer Research

A research team based in Kingston has developed a groundbreaking tool aimed at advancing brain cancer research. This innovative surgical biopsy capsule, which is the first of its kind in the world, was created by neurosurgeons and a graduate engineering student at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Queen’s University. The capsule is designed to facilitate the collection of small tissue samples from brain tumors, allowing researchers to better understand the molecular makeup of glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.

The team, led by neurosurgeons and assistant professors Dr. James Purzner and Dr. Teresa Purzner, collaborated with Kaytlin Andrews, a PhD candidate in engineering at Queen’s. According to a media release from KHSC, the capsule is proving to deliver “unprecedented precision” during surgical procedures. This tool enables researchers to gather multiple tissue samples and link each to corresponding MRI images, facilitating precise mapping of tumor locations.

“Adult brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma, presents significant challenges due to its inherent heterogeneity,” Dr. Teresa Purzner explained in a recent interview. She highlighted the complexities and variances found within tumors and among different patients, which complicates research efforts. Traditionally, studies have relied on “small, somewhat arbitrarily collected tissue fragments,” limiting the understanding of tumor biology.

To illustrate the problem, Dr. Purzner likened it to examining an elephant through small peepholes. “If you only see parts, you might misinterpret what you are looking at,” she noted. “What we need is a more comprehensive view of the tumor and its variations.”

In recent years, Dr. Purzner has been instrumental in transforming brain tumor treatment protocols at KHSC through the establishment of the Integrative Brain Tumor Program. This initiative enhances connectivity between patients and healthcare professionals, improving treatment outcomes. The development of the biopsy capsule reflects a similar innovative spirit, focusing on practical solutions to existing challenges.

The design process involved a collaborative engineering approach. “We sought to create a safe, effective, and user-friendly device to improve tumor access,” Dr. Purzner stated. The team began by identifying essential features from clinical and safety perspectives, alongside necessary engineering attributes. This systematic approach led to the creation of a tool that fits seamlessly onto a surgical section.

The team tested the biopsy capsule with six of the eight neurosurgeons at KHSC, gathering valuable feedback. They conducted trials using a pig brain, which closely resembles a human brain, comparing the new tool against standard biopsy procedures. “Our tool demonstrated greater consistency and efficiency,” Dr. Purzner reported. Remarkably, graduate students with no prior operating room experience were able to use the device effectively after watching a short training video, achieving sample collection faster than seasoned surgeons using conventional tools.

The biopsy capsule has received approval for human use and is currently utilized exclusively at KHSC, making it the only medical facility employing this Canadian innovation. The capsule is patented with assistance from Queen’s Partnership and Innovation and is produced using standard 3D printing technology, making it cost-effective at approximately $0.30 each.

As stated in KHSC’s release, the Kingston team is forging partnerships with hospitals across Ontario to broaden the study. Plans are also underway to establish a state-of-the-art tissue banking facility to store samples from patients nationwide, positioning KHSC and Queen’s as a potential global hub for brain tumor research.

The implications of this new tool extend beyond research. Dr. Purzner expressed hopes that it will lead to the exploration of new treatment avenues, such as targeted radiation therapies and smarter surgical techniques, ultimately improving patient outcomes. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive molecular profiling in developing effective therapies for glioblastoma.

“Progress in adult brain cancer treatment has been stagnant for decades, with no new drugs for standard care introduced in years,” Dr. Purzner remarked. She believes that examining the issue from a novel perspective is crucial for advancement in this challenging field. “While there is no guarantee of success, new approaches bring hope, especially when traditional methods have yielded limited results.”

The innovative biopsy capsule developed by the Kingston team marks a significant step forward in the quest to tackle one of the most formidable challenges in cancer research.