Smart Cancer Patch: AI-Integrated Biosensor with Adaptive Drug Release for Universal Cancer Detection and Treatment

Abstract

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and late-stage detection remains a significant challenge in clinical oncology. Early detection of cancer, especially in asymptomatic stages, has the potential to significantly improve survival rates by facilitating timely intervention. However, conventional methods such as biopsies, CT scans, and blood tests are invasive, expensive, and often unable to detect cancer early enough. This paper proposes a Smart Cancer Patch that integrates AI-driven biosensors with a microfluidic drug delivery system for real-time monitoring, early detection, and localized treatment of multiple cancer types. By using biosensors to detect specific cancer biomarkers from sweat or saliva, the system sends the data to an AI system that predicts the likelihood of cancer development. The patch releases targeted drugs only if cancerous conditions are detected, thus offering a non-invasive and cost-effective method to address cancer risk. The patch also provides wireless connectivity to enable real-time data monitoring by medical professionals. This innovative combination of technology has the potential to transform the way cancer is detected, treated, and managed, improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

Introduction

Cancer causes nearly 10 million deaths worldwide annually, with early detection and treatment critical to reducing mortality. Traditional methods like biopsies and imaging are invasive, expensive, and often detect cancer too late. Emerging technologies such as wearable biosensors and AI-assisted diagnostics show promise but are usually limited to detection or specific cancer types.

The Smart Cancer Patch is a novel, integrated wearable device that combines biosensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and microfluidic drug delivery to enable early detection and targeted treatment of multiple cancers non-invasively.

Key Features:

• Biosensors: Continuously monitor cancer biomarkers (proteins, genetic mutations, metabolites) in bodily fluids like sweat or saliva using painless microneedle arrays.

• AI Analysis: Uses machine learning models (CNNs, LSTM, SVM) to analyze biomarker data in real-time, detect abnormal patterns, predict cancer risk, and alert users or doctors via wireless connectivity.

• Microfluidic Drug Delivery: Upon detecting high-risk biomarker levels, the patch can deliver precise doses of chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs directly through the skin, minimizing side effects by targeting affected areas.

Benefits:

• Enables non-invasive, continuous monitoring and early detection.

• Allows personalized, real-time treatment at early cancer stages.

• Reduces dependence on invasive biopsies and expensive imaging.

• Provides access to cancer care in remote or underserved areas via wireless data sharing.

• Supports a precision medicine approach, improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Future Directions:

• Expanding detection to more cancer types.

• Enhancing drug delivery with nano-robotics.

• Integrating monitoring for other health conditions.

• Overcoming challenges like AI training diversity, clinical validation, and regulatory approval.

Impact on Global Health:

The Smart Cancer Patch has the potential to transform cancer care worldwide, especially in low-resource settings, by providing affordable, early, and personalized cancer detection and treatment—advancing health equity and reducing the global cancer burden.

Conclusion

The Smart Cancer Patch represents an exciting advancement in the field of wearable medical technology, combining AI, biosensors, and microfluidic drug delivery to offer continuous cancer detection and treatment. While challenges exist in areas such as device miniaturization, power efficiency, regulatory approval, and public perception, the potential for the patch to revolutionize cancer care is enormous. By enabling early detection and targeted treatment, the patch could drastically improve patient outcomes and help bridge healthcare gaps in underserved regions. As technology continues to evolve, the Smart Cancer Patch could serve as a model for future wearable medical devices that offer personalized, non-invasive, and real-time healthcare solutions. With further research, clinical trials, and regulatory approval, this device has the potential to change the landscape of cancer care, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 A. Fahmidha Jinan, M. Fazeeha, K. Arfaah Meera. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.