This synopsis and overview of current research in nanotechnology in medicine is aimed at helping researchers, engineers, and scientists – and is of interest to the clinician as well.

Nanoformulations including liposomes, nanofibers, nanocapsules, dendrimers, and nanoparticles are currently being developed as solutions to remaining obstacles in cancer care. Some have already shown evidence of their ability to prevent cancer cell proliferation, lessen the risk of recurrence, minimize the chance of post-chemotherapy metastasis, and improve breast implants’ performance through better cell growth scaffolding.

The new transistor technology could solve the problem that electrochemical signaling is typically too weak to monitor effectively. Current sensors have such low signal strength that it is impossible to monitor tissue responses in real time. Instead, blood samples or biopsies are used. The new technology lays a foundation for real time noninvasive, highly sensitive monitoring.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ahmed Siddiqi wanted to find a better approach to postoperative monitoring – one that came closer to direct, continuous visibility of patient progress during recovery – while reducing the burden on patients and the management team. His new digital care solution enabled his team to provide long-term remote patient monitoring while directly communicating with all patients. The platform’s remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) module helps the team meet the minimum engagement and data submission requirements to be eligible for RTM coverage.

Via the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), medical devices share data with other systems and with physicians, and physicians remotely adjust settings as needed. But the very connectivity that makes the IoMT effective also makes it vulnerable to malicious parties.

AI is coming to medicine rapidly — likely more rapidly than many practitioners are prepared for. Peruse these six questions and follow the paths that most interest you to ensure you have positioned yourself to ride the coming wave.