Enhanced identification of lung cancer nodules without CT by quantifying tissue elasticity

Lead Participant: ADAPTIX LIMITED

Abstract

"Almost everyone you know will have had an X-ray or scan (whether CT, MRI or ultrasound) at some point. The data collected by these different examinations is very useful in enabling creation of an image of the internal body to help medical professionals make informed decisions about diagnoses and treatments.

However, some functional data is hard to obtain using imaging examinations, for example, analysing how stretchy or stiff areas of tissue are, which can help in the identification and assessment of tumours and diseased tissue. Instead, this can require an invasive procedure to obtain a tissue sample that can be analysed (biopsy).

Adaptix intends to create a new method of using 3D X-ray data, which can be collected by using its innovative Flat Panel X-ray Source, to compare how stretchy different areas of tissue are in relation to surrounding tissue. Where an area of tissue is 'stiffer' it may indicate disease or tumours, and along with the other information from the X-ray exam, will assist a medical practitioner in making an earlier diagnosis and starting patients on the relevant treatment sooner.

Adaptix's vision is to provide medical professionals with a portable X-ray device, which involves low-doses of radiation, and can be used in multiple ways to image areas of concern, to provide them with not only detailed 3D X-ray images of the area but also vital information about the elasticity of the tissue being viewed.

Enabling Adaptix to bring this healthcare technology to the UK, will support the NHS by removing burdens on the system and reducing the cost of healthcare, as well as equipping our world-class healthcare professionals to make earlier more accurate diagnoses.

As a result of an ageing population, the number of urgent GP referrals to hospital for suspected cancer has increase by 90% since 2009-10, but 9 out of 10 patients who are referred are not diagnosed with cancer. Screening with Adaptix's X-ray source, enhanced by detailed information on tissue hardness, could prevent unnecessary referrals and the inherent stress for those patients.

Adaptix is a UK company, looking to establish UK manufacturing, creating jobs in the UK. Supporting Adaptix will enable its UK technology to be brought to market, which will benefit the UK, as well as healthcare worldwide."

Lead Participant

Project Cost

Grant Offer

ADAPTIX LIMITED £71,439 £ 50,007
 

Participant

INNOVATE UK

Publications

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