Purdue University physicist David Nolte is developing a biodynamic imaging system using lasers and the Doppler effect to personalize chemotherapy drug selection for cancer patients. The system, tested on osteosarcoma tumor cells from over 30 patients, aims to identify the most effective treatments within 48 hours of a biopsy, according to a October 2026 update.
How the System Operates
Nolte’s system uses laser light’s coherence to detect cellular motion, which changes in response to chemotherapy drugs.
Testing at Indiana University
The system is being tested at the Indiana University School of Medicine to evaluate experimental chemotherapy drugs on tumor cells from more than 30 osteosarcoma patients. Pollok’s team uses these models to test drug combinations, aiming to accelerate the identification of promising treatments.
Every tumor is unique, so why not personalize chemotherapy? @PUCancerInst member David Nolte is using lasers, the Doppler effect and AI to build an imaging system that may one day pinpoint the best drug for an individual patient's tumor. https://t.co/WbrdmVs0GI
A 2023 study showed Nolte’s method accurately predicted responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients, according to the Purdue report. This trial demonstrated the system’s ability to provide quick, measurable results, reducing reliance on traditional methods.
Patent and Next Steps
Nolte, a 2025 National Academy of Inventors fellow, has patented an improved version of the system, which he hopes will be tested in a prospective clinical trial for breast cancer therapies. Within 48 hours of a patient having a biopsy removed, we could tell the doctor, 'This patient will respond better to AC than to TC,' or vice versa,
he said, referencing two common chemotherapy regimens.
Nolte emphasizes its versatility, stating, My optical technique is general and has opened all kinds of applications.