Microfabricated Device (IMAGE) World Scientific Caption A microfabricated device developed by the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Engineering in Medicine is able to analyze the effects of pro-drugs -- substances transformed within the liver into therapeutic agents -- on cancer cells. The two-chamber microscale platform enables the culture of liver cells called hepatocytes and tumor cells in close proximity and in small amounts of supportive media. The microscale environment leads to the rapid accumulation of greater quantities of the desired metabolite and detection of its toxic effect on cancer cells. Credit Shyam Sundhar Bale, Ph.D., MGH Center for Engineering in Medicine. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.