{
  "id": 19113207,
  "title": "Chinese ‘black-hole’ purifier catches tumour cells in blood to stop cancer spread",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/chinese-black-hole-purifier-catches-tumour-cells-in-blood-to-stop",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-09T07:43:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3373756/chinese-black-hole-purifier-catches-tumour-cells-blood-stop-cancer-spread"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chinese researchers have created a novel device designed to capture and remove circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, potentially reducing the risk of cancer metastasis. Published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University reported their findings in a study conducted with mouse models. The \"black-hole system\" utilizes a microfluidic reservoir, or \"black hole,\" to selectively trap tumor cells using antibodies targeting EpCAM, a surface protein prevalent in cancer cells. When tested, the system demonstrated a capture efficiency of over 99% for human breast cancer cells at low flow rates, and around 95% at a speed of 1.2ml per hour. The researchers observed that mice treated with the system alongside chemotherapy had a 50% survival rate and a 16.7% reduction in overall tumor recurrence over a four-week period, compared to the 20% survival rate seen in mice receiving single therapies. With no observed organ toxicity, the team highlighted the system's biocompatibility. While noting that further engineering improvements and larger-scale validation are necessary, the researchers expressed optimism about the \"black-hole system\" as a potential adjuvant therapy to improve post-surgical chemotherapy efficacy in preventing cancer metastasis.",
  "summary": "Chinese scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind purifier capable of removing breakaway tumour cells that circulate through the bloodstream, potentially preventing the recurrence and spread of some cancers. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University-led team said the proof-of-concept platform could lower the risk of metastasis – the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide – in a…",
  "key_points": [
    "\"Black-hole purifier\" captures 99% of tumor cells in blood",
    "Mice treated with system-survival rate 50%, tumor recurrence 16.7% lower",
    "System shows no organ toxicity, biocompatible"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Integrating microfluidic cell capture with existing chemotherapy offers a new way to enhance post-surgical survival rates by targeting the circulating tumor cells responsible for cancer metastasis.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}