MTAK - Microwave Therapy for Actinic Keratosis

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people over 60 years old in the UK has at least one actinic keratosis (AK) lesion. Actinic keratoses are the first appearance of a non-melanoma skin cancer. With a deficit of more than 200 dermatologists in the UK, the ability to diagnose and treat is being diminished. Up to 25% of GP workload is skin based and with an ageing population the crisis in dermatology needs treatments that are effective, decentralised and time efficient. Existing treatments fail to balance effectiveness, side effects and cost.
Emblation wish to repurpose a portable microwave platform for use in treating AK. Already a highly effective treatment for plantar warts, through a combined destructive and immune response effect, the potential to treat AK needs to be explored. Measurements of the physical properties of AK will also be taken in order to adapt and develop the current product’s hand piece antenna (the part applied to the skin). Studies in a lab will help determine the dose to treat AK cells on humans in a small trial, in addition to investigating the healing mechanisms at play. The results and experimental data will provide a starting point for a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) after the project. An RCT is high risk and cost without this project .