News & Media
Mandi Rix Appeal supports University College / Michelson Diagnostics' oral cancer OCT study
Thursday, 10 July 2008
The Mandi Rix Appeal is providing funds to support vital research into early diagnosis of oral cancer at University College Hospital, London (UCH). The project will study how the latest Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging equipment from UK manufacturer Michelson Diagnostics can be used to scan for a tumour, at a very early stage, whilst it is still easily treatable.
"If we can identify a cancer early, then the chances of a complete cure are much higher," said Colin Hopper, Senior Maxillofacial Surgeon at UCH, "We can remove the tumour with a low-impact laser treatment, instead of major surgery, at great benefit to the patient, and hugely reduced cost to the NHS."
The study involves comparing images taken by the MDL scanner of cancerous and healthy tissue with histopathology images analyzed by trained pathologists. It is hoped that this will enable earlier detection of oral tumours which will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, with significant improvements for patients, reduced costs in treatments and reduced morbidity rates. Michelson Diagnostics' CEO Jon Holmes said, "Successful results from this work will underpin our development of a product approved for clinical use."
It is hoped that once the technology is proven to have a beneficial effect in earlier diagnosis that the Michelson Diagnostics OCT equipment will see rapid take up within head and neck cancer units across the world.
The Mandi Rix Optical Diagnostic Centre consolidates techniques and research developed over the past decade to detect pre-cancerous and early cancerous changes in tissues. It was inspired by businessman Andrew Briggs, whose long-term family friend Mandi Rix died of breast cancer two years ago.
David Longman, Chief Executive of the Mandi Rix Appeal, said, "We are very excited to be able to support this project. Initiatives like this which enable earlier detection of cancers and improvements in treatment outcomes for the patients are a good thing."
