Diamonds May Soon Help Doctors Detect Cancer More Safely and Accurately

Most people think of diamonds as symbols of beauty and luxury, but researchers at the UK's University of Warwick are giving these gemstones a remarkable new role: helping doctors track and treat cancer.

A team of physicists has developed a tiny diamond-based sensor that could make it easier to detect when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This is especially important in breast cancer, where knowing whether the disease has metastasized helps determine the best course of treatment.

The innovation works hand in hand with a special “magnetic tracer fluid,” which is already used in some hospitals. The fluid is injected into the body, where it travels to lymph nodes in the same way that cancer cells do. The new diamond sensor can then detect the magnetic field from the tracer fluid and pinpoint the affected lymph nodes with extraordinary accuracy. This allows surgeons to remove only the necessary tissue, improving outcomes for patients while reducing unnecessary procedures.

What makes the Warwick breakthrough so exciting is that the device is both ultra-sensitive and compact. At just 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) across, the diamond-based sensor is small enough to be used during minimally invasive keyhole surgery. Unlike traditional detection methods, which rely on radioactive tracers or blue dye, the diamond sensor is non-toxic, non-radioactive and avoids allergic complications.

The science behind it is as fascinating as it is practical. Diamonds contain tiny imperfections called “nitrogen vacancy centers” that allow them to sense incredibly small changes in magnetic fields.

Professor Gavin Morley, who led the project, believes the technology could be a “game-changer.” Not only could it benefit breast cancer patients, but future applications may include detecting cancers of the lung, liver and other organs. The device is handheld and doesn’t require bulky electronics, making it more versatile for real-world medical use. The study was recently published in the scholarly journal Physical Review Applied.

For jewelry lovers, it’s a reminder that diamonds are more than just dazzling adornments. They’re extraordinary natural materials with properties that can save lives. In the not-so-distant future, the same gemstone cherished in rings and necklaces may also be helping doctors fight cancer with greater precision and care.

Credits: Images of diamonds with color centers illuminated under laser courtesy of Karishma Gokani / University of Warwick.