Innovative developments at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Glasgow bring new hope in the fight against cancer, with non-invasive devices for monitoring breast and bowel cancer.
UK researchers are at the forefront of developing innovative devices to aid in the detection and monitoring of cancer, showcasing significant advancements in breast and bowel cancer treatment and diagnosis. At Nottingham Trent University, a team has created a device designed to be inserted into a bra, which can monitor breast cancer tumour growth. This device uses electrical currents to detect changes in fluids within cells, allowing for real-time monitoring of tumour sizes as small as 2mm. The technology aims to significantly enhance patients’ chances of survival by offering continuous monitoring and reducing the necessity for frequent manual checks. With over 55,000 new cases of breast cancer reported annually in the UK, this device represents a potential breakthrough in patient care and cost reduction for healthcare services.
Similarly, scientists from the University of Glasgow, in collaboration with Cancer Research UK, have developed a non-invasive method using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans for diagnosing and monitoring bowel cancer. This method eliminates the risks associated with invasive biopsies by allowing a comprehensive examination of the bowel and detailed study of tumours within the body. The innovative use of PET imaging highlights the shift towards precision medicine, promising a safer, more effective approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly for bowel cancer, which annually affects around 4,000 people in Scotland alone.
These advancements underscore the ongoing efforts in the UK to improve cancer detection and monitoring. The breast cancer monitoring device is currently awaiting human trials, aiming for clinical testing in the near future, while the PET imaging technique for bowel cancer is poised to transform diagnostic procedures, leading to better patient outcomes. Both initiatives reflect the urgency and necessity for research that enhances cancer diagnosis and treatment capabilities.
