Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are working to develop a device they say can be used like an ultrasound machine to find tumor tissue within the brain.

The apparatus is a variation of an existing technology called optical coherence tomography, which bounces light off a surface to create an image. Ultrasounds bounce sound off surfaces for a similar, although less detailed, effect. Optical coherence tomography, or O-C-T, was created to provide a view of the retina.

Today, scientists are working to develop other applications for O-C-T. Brain imaging using O-C-T could revolutionize brain cancer treatment by making it easier for a surgeon to distinguish between healthy tissue and tumor tissue … even while an operation is taking place.

The device-in-progress at Johns Hopkins would provide a real-time, color-coded look at the brain. Healthy tissue would show up in one color, while tumors would be tinged another hue.

Such a development could be a game changer for brain cancer removal. Surgeons report that it is difficult to differentiate between healthy tissue and cancerous tissue within the brain during surgery. Damage to healthy tissue can cause serious damage. On the flip side, leaving tumor cells in the brain greatly reduces a person’s long-term survival.

A recent article in the journal Science Translational Medicine outlined the way the new apparatus works and detailed tests that have been conducted so far.

The Johns Hopkins researchers say they have already used the device to analyze human brain tissue outside the body. They’ve also used it to look at mouse brains implanted with human tumor tissue. The tests showed the device was able to detect low-grade through high-grade brain cancer.

Next up: clinical trials to test the device in humans. Who knows? This could be the start of a new cancer breakthrough.