Menstrual Pad Device Could Offer Early Cancer Detection

New Technology Aims to Simplify Biomarker Screening for Women

A novel device integrated into menstrual pads promises a less invasive and more accessible way for women to monitor their health, potentially detecting early signs of diseases like ovarian cancer. The technology analyzes menstrual blood for key biomarkers, offering a convenient alternative to traditional blood tests.

How the Device Works

Developed by researchers at ETH Zurich, the lightweight device, measuring just 2 by 2 centimeters, contains a test strip that changes color when exposed to specific proteins. If biomarkers are present, a line or circle appears within 15 minutes, with darker shades indicating higher protein concentrations.

Inge Herrmann, a professor and leader of the Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Lab at ETH Zurich, expressed her hope that the technology will provide users with an additional monitoring tool that is also cost effective. The device is encased in soft silicone, making it unnoticeable during use, and can be worn for the same duration as a regular pad.

Detecting Key Health Markers

The initial prototype is designed to detect three biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP), indicating inflammation; carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), associated with various cancers; and cancer antigen-125 (CA-125), linked to ovarian cancer. Existing blood tests already measure these biomarkers, but this new method offers a simpler, more private approach.

Dr. Paul Blumenthal, a professor emeritus in obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the ease of use and reduced invasiveness as key advantages. He noted that menstrual blood offers a unique opportunity for biomarker analysis.

Researchers validated the device by comparing biomarker concentrations in venous blood and menstrual blood samples, including spiked samples with known concentrations. They found consistent agreement between the device’s readings and clinical chemistry assessments. Volunteers who tested the pad during their periods reported no difference in comfort compared to standard sanitary pads.

Ovarian Cancer: A Critical Need for Early Detection

Currently, there is no reliable screening method for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 20,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2024. Early symptoms often mimic those of a normal menstrual cycle, making diagnosis challenging.

Blumenthal suggests that regular monitoring of CA-125 levels could be a promising strategy for early detection. Year after year, let’s just say I’m measuring your CA-125, and it’s pretty normal,” he said. “And one year it sneaks above your level — maybe that’s the first indication [that] something is not right.”

Future Steps and Potential Challenges

The research team is now preparing to recruit approximately 100 participants for real-world testing to assess the device’s medical benefits. Herrmann acknowledged potential challenges, including the possibility of excess blood interfering with test results and the risk of causing undue stress to users based on app-generated alerts.

If research continues positively and regulatory hurdles are cleared, Herrmann anticipates the device could be available within three years. This technology represents a significant step towards empowering women with more accessible and proactive health monitoring tools.