The study was published around May 27, 2026, with DOI 10.1038/s41565-026-02172-7.

The MIT team is led by Michael Strano, with key contributions from Wonjun Yim and Hohyung Kang, supported by institutions like Koch Institute and NSF.

Fluorescence changes measured by the nanosensors create chemical images that not only detect but localize cancerous tissue.

Overall goal is more frequent, less invasive surveillance that improves early localization of recurrences, reduces unnecessary biopsies, and lowers healthcare costs.

Future work aims to miniaturize components and integrate sensors into standard cystoscopes for outpatient, office-based testing.

MIT researchers have developed a catheter coated with carbon nanotube nanosensors that can detect the bladder cancer biomarker NMP-22 directly in the bladder, enabling earlier detection than traditional urine tests.

The nanosensors use synthetic antibodies on carbon nanotubes that respond to NMP-22, which is often diluted or degraded in urine, allowing in situ detection.

The device provides in situ, 360-degree optical imaging with a miniaturized ball lens at the tip, mapping biomarker presence in three dimensions to localize tumors.

Experts say this could herald a paradigm shift toward real-time, spatially resolved molecular imaging in oncology and minimally invasive cancer surveillance.

The approach highlights a broader move toward in situ diagnostics that bring sensors to the disease site, potentially reducing monitoring costs and improving early treatment outcomes.

Potential applications include integrating sensors with cystoscopes and adapting the platform to other cancers or diseases by swapping nanosensors for different targets.

The catheter-based sensor design features a rotating tip that illuminates and collects fluorescence, enabling three-dimensional mapping of biomarker distribution and tumor localization.