Brazilian scientist Lívia Éberlin has developed a handheld device that identifies cancerous tissue in real time during surgical procedures [1].

The technology represents a significant shift in oncology by potentially reducing the reliance on invasive biopsies and accelerating the diagnostic process. By providing immediate feedback during an operation, the tool helps surgeons ensure more precise removal of malignant cells, while preserving healthy tissue [2].

The device, described as a "pen," analyzes tissue molecules to determine if a sample is cancerous or healthy [1]. This analysis occurs within a few seconds [1]. This speed allows for a dynamic surgical environment where the boundaries of a tumor can be mapped instantly—a process that typically requires waiting for pathology reports from separate lab samples [2].

Éberlin's work focuses on creating a faster, less invasive method for cancer diagnosis [2]. The goal is to improve patient outcomes by minimizing the trauma associated with traditional biopsy methods, and reducing the time patients must wait for confirmation of clear margins during surgery [1, 2].

Reports on the technology first appeared in March 2026 and were highlighted again in a Jovem Pan News report on July 11 [1, 3]. The device functions similarly to a flashlight for cancer, illuminating the difference between healthy and diseased cells for the operating team [2].

While the technology is centered in Brazil, its application addresses a global challenge in surgical oncology. The ability to identify malignant tissue instantly could change the standard of care for various types of tumors, making surgeries more efficient and less damaging to the patient [1, 2].

“The device can determine whether tissue is cancerous or healthy in a few seconds during surgery.”

The introduction of real-time molecular analysis during surgery shifts the diagnostic timeline from days to seconds. By integrating the pathology process directly into the operating room, this technology could reduce the rate of secondary surgeries required when initial margins are found to be incomplete after the patient has already recovered from the first procedure.