Coherence Neuro
University of Cambridge | Electrical Engineering

Exploring how wearable bioelectronics could influence melanoma

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, and some patients experience recurrence or spread of the disease despite advances in treatment. Current diagnostic methods rely heavily on visual inspection and invasive biopsies, which can be uncomfortable and subjective - there is a need for earlier and more effective intervention.

Recent research shows that tumours interact with nearby blood vessels, immune cells and nerves - this is known as the tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME also contains sensory nerves that release chemical signals that may influence the local immune response, but researchers are still working to understand which types of nerves are involved, whether these signals help the body fight a tumour or when they may support its growth; and whether their activity can be safely changed to slow the disease.

Rhianne’s project will investigate whether sensory nerves could offer new opportunities for melanoma diagnosis and treatment. She will analyse human melanoma samples to identify potential markers of disease progression, use mouse models to understand how different nerves influence tumour growth and immune responses, and explore whether a wearable device could safely modify nerve activity from outside the body.

By combining cancer biology, neuroscience and wearable technology, the research could pave the way for more accurate diagnosis and new, non-invasive approaches to treatment, with the long-term potential to help slow melanoma progression.