Development of an intra-operative probe for image-guided cancer surgery

Cancer is the amongst the leading cause of death worldwide with more than 27.5 million new cases expected each year by 2040. Surgery is amongst the most common curative treatment with more than 50% of cancers being treated by surgical resection. For a successful outcome, the surgeon must remove the entire tumour to reduce the risk of recurrence while minimising the removal of normal tissue.

This demands precise delineation of tumour margins during surgery but is currently beyond the capabilities of conventional intra-operative imaging techniques. The consequences of incomplete tumour removal are significant. It can lead to metastatic disease where cancer cells spread to other parts of the body and is associated with poor long term survival.

Moreover, it is common; residual cancer cells are left behind in 20-60% of all cancer surgeries. There is therefore a clinical need for new intraoperative imaging techniques that can locate tumours and delineate their margins more accurately enabling removal of all malignant tissue. The aim of this PoC project is to meet this need.

This will be achieved by developing a prototype intra-operative imaging device based on a novel laser imaging technology. The project will involve the development on advanced optical imaging instrumentation, image reconstruction and processing methods and technology transfer activities. If successful, this technology offers

the prospect of reducing the risk of incomplete tumour removal and therefore the likelihood of recurrence with consequent improvements in the outcomes of cancer patients.