Clinical Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy Network (CLIRSPEC)

A major part of the diagnosis of any disease but particularly various forms of cancer, is obtained though a biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of tissue, or a few cells, from the patient. These samples, either tissue or cells are then examined by a pathologist looking down an optical microscope. In most cases the sample is stained with a combination of dyes to help gain some contrast. In most cases, based upon visual inspection of the sample a diagnosis is made. This process if far from ideal since it relies on the expertise of the clinician concerned as is subject to intra in inter observer error. Recently a number of proof of concept studies have shown that molecular spectroscopic techniques such as infrared and Raman are capable of distinguishing diseased from non diseased cells and tissue based upon the inherent chemistry contained within the cells. The UK is at the forefront of these developments but there are many hurdles that need to be overcome if this technology is to move from the proof of concept stage through the translational stage and into the clinical setting. It is the belief of the academic community that we are much more likely to overcome these hurdles if we pool our resources, bring in both industrial and clinical partners and work on these generic problems together. This application is for funding to support such a network of partners for the next three years.

One of the key aims of this project is to maximise the impact of current disjointed research in the field of spectral diagnostics and related technologies. The CLIRSPEC network is designed to deliver a step change in the awareness of spectral diagnosis by fellow academics, clinicians, patients industrialists, venture capitalists and policy makers.
At present, the field of spectral diagnosis is still in a dynamic phase with a number of key problems still to be solved, very little in the way of standardisation in either measurement or reporting and with very few clinical trials. Though a concerted approach the CLIRSPEC Network will bring these disparate strands together to bring stability to the field thus creating a more suitable and attractive environment for investment. This will be achieved through the CLIRSPEC network activities. These impact events will enable the academic leaders in the field to engage with instrument manufacturers, medical diagnostic companies and potential investors in order to discuss, not only the current state of the art, but also the potential barriers to market. It is anticipated that the CLIRSPEC network will lead to accelerated development and eventual acceptance of new technology. In the longer term it is expected that spectral diagnostic companies will contribute significantly to wealth creation and increased employment in the sector. Having a supply of well-trained PhD and early career researches in this interdisciplinary field will help facilitate this in the UK and increase the UK competitiveness in this area. In the case of curable diseases where early diagnosis is essential there will be significant long term economic benefits to the development of these rapid, accurate and relatively inexpensive alternatives to current diagnostic methods.
A wide range of people will benefit from the formation and working of the CLIRSPEC network. PhD students will benefit significantly. This is a very multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research field and very few spectroscopy laboratories have good access to clinicians, statisticians or links to instrument manufacturers. The CLIRSPEC summer school in years two and three of the grant and rolled out as an international summer school at the end of the grant will enable PhD students to get specialist training in the field early in their career. In this way, the new generation of interdisciplinary scientists essential for the development of this field will be produced. The members of the network will benefit from greater sharing of ideas and having access to a wider range of samples and data as well as pooling data. The instrument manufacturers will benefit from having access to the latest research and being able to work with clinicians for an early stage of product development. Ultimately, it is envisaged that patients will benefit once the new technology is introduced to the clinic. In particular, cancer patient and sufferers of other diseases will benefit from reduction stress anxiety through faster testing and reduced waiting times for results.
It is still the case that most clinicians and pathologists are unaware of the research in this field and how both spectral pathology and cytology have the potential to revolutionise the way in which disease is diagnosed. This network grant is intended to help realise this potential by bringing the scientists, engineers and industrialists together. A major vehicle for enhancing our collaboration is the data sharing / data analysis portal. This will enable the net work members to have access to the data analysis tool box that contains the latest algorithms from various groups that represent current best practice or can be used for multi site testing. This type of multicentre activity currently does not exist in this field in the UK. A major part of our exit strategy is that this facility would be rolled out as part of the new society that would eventually give access to all members working in the field.