Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, with 573,000 new cases in 2020. In Indonesia, the number of BCa cases reached 20,053 between 2015-2020. These high numbers highlight the need for greater attention from both the public and healthcare professionals towards bladder cancer.

In response to the high prevalence of BCa, five students from Brawijaya University (UB) have created an early detection tool for bladder cancer called DOTS BCa. This tool is based on quantum dots with fluorescence resonance energy transfer, integrated with an application programming interface (API) and fuzzy logic classification.

The team consists of Krisna Seiya Ekiawan (Electrical Engineering), Verousson Ahmad (Medicine), Ajeng Lintang KS (Medicine), Evan Manuel Tan (Computer Engineering), and Levina Nasywa Faustin (Electrical Engineering), under the guidance of Ir. Nurussa’adah, M.T., and Dr. dr. Taufiq Nur Budaya, Sp.U(K). The tool is named DOTS BCa (Detection on The Spot Bladder Cancer).

This project was funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and Brawijaya University through the Student Creativity Program (PKM) Karsa Cipta scheme. The tool was developed over approximately four months. Current screening methods, such as ELISA, are considered expensive and less effective for early detection, making this innovation a more efficient alternative.

The DOTS BCa prototype uses an AS-7341 sensor and the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer method based on quantum dots. Its use is quite simple, with a urine sample incubated with quantum dots and then analyzed using UV light.

The results are then classified using fuzzy logic to determine positive or negative outcomes. The tool is also integrated with an API, making it easily adoptable by healthcare facilities.

“Currently, the team is conducting trials on urine samples and continuously making improvements to enhance its accuracy. The tool has also received an Intellectual Property Rights certificate and is being applied for a simple patent,” explained Team Leader Krisna.

As a supervising lecturer, Ir. Nurussa’adah, M.T., hopes this innovation will have a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of bladder cancer through early detection. Dr. dr. Taufiq Nur Budaya, Sp.U(K), also expressed his pride in the students and hopes this innovation will benefit society widely.

“This innovation is expected to help reduce the prevalence of BCa and become a tangible contribution from Brawijaya University in health technology,” concluded the 2022 student. (mic)