Transforming oesophageal cancer diagnosis using optical coherence elastography
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Medical Physics and Biomedical Eng
Abstract
Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact:
Optical coherence elasography (OCE) obtains micro-scale, three-dimensional, images of the mechanical properties intrinsic to tissue (e.g., elastic modulus) and mechanical parameters, which are correlated with mechanical properties (e.g., strain). Mechanical properties of tissue have been shown to be important indicators of the function and health of tissues and cells. A range of OCE techniques have been developed, however, each works by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure how the sample deforms in response to mechanical loading. OCE has been shown to be very effective at delineating between diseased and healthy breast tissue and is being applied to tumour margin assessment in breast conserving surgery.
Oesophageal cancer is one of four cancers of "unmet need" (Cancer Research UK) mainly due to its poor survival rates and late diagnosis. Significant deficiencies exist at all stages of surveillance, staging, and treatment.
Aims and Objectives:
We aim to overcome these deficiencies by developing technology (imaging techniques, and potentially developing endoscopic realisations of OCE for in-vivo use), for the diagnosis and staging of oesophageal cancer.
Novelty of Research Methodology:
We will start with ex-vivo imaging of biopsies by applying optical Coherence Elastography (OCE), and artificial intelligence. Then, potentially develop healthcare applications for this technology.
Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas:
1. Frontiers in engineering and technology.
OCE has seen recent developments in other applications, but how to use this technology for oesophageal cancer is still yet to be researched.
2. Artificial intelligence, digitisation and data: driving value and security.
The type of tool developed to analyse the OCE data will be an artificial intelligence solution.
3. Transforming health and healthcare.
The aim of this research is to transform how oesophageal cancer is diagnosed and staged.
Any companies or collaborators involved:
N/A
Optical coherence elasography (OCE) obtains micro-scale, three-dimensional, images of the mechanical properties intrinsic to tissue (e.g., elastic modulus) and mechanical parameters, which are correlated with mechanical properties (e.g., strain). Mechanical properties of tissue have been shown to be important indicators of the function and health of tissues and cells. A range of OCE techniques have been developed, however, each works by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure how the sample deforms in response to mechanical loading. OCE has been shown to be very effective at delineating between diseased and healthy breast tissue and is being applied to tumour margin assessment in breast conserving surgery.
Oesophageal cancer is one of four cancers of "unmet need" (Cancer Research UK) mainly due to its poor survival rates and late diagnosis. Significant deficiencies exist at all stages of surveillance, staging, and treatment.
Aims and Objectives:
We aim to overcome these deficiencies by developing technology (imaging techniques, and potentially developing endoscopic realisations of OCE for in-vivo use), for the diagnosis and staging of oesophageal cancer.
Novelty of Research Methodology:
We will start with ex-vivo imaging of biopsies by applying optical Coherence Elastography (OCE), and artificial intelligence. Then, potentially develop healthcare applications for this technology.
Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas:
1. Frontiers in engineering and technology.
OCE has seen recent developments in other applications, but how to use this technology for oesophageal cancer is still yet to be researched.
2. Artificial intelligence, digitisation and data: driving value and security.
The type of tool developed to analyse the OCE data will be an artificial intelligence solution.
3. Transforming health and healthcare.
The aim of this research is to transform how oesophageal cancer is diagnosed and staged.
Any companies or collaborators involved:
N/A
People |
ORCID iD |
| Peter Munro (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Cameron McCoy (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/S021930/1 | 01/10/2019 | 31/03/2028 | |||
| 2872975 | Studentship | EP/S021930/1 | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 | Cameron McCoy |