An initial patient trial at Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, has developed a “groundbreaking” approach to ultrasound imaging with promising results for prostate cancer detection.
Researchers at Heriot-Watt have had “extremely encouraging” results in early-stage clinical trials at the West General Hospital in Edinburgh, where the ongoing trial demonstrated a 94 per cent sensitivity rate in tumour detection.
With this new imaging technique, prostate cancer tests can be delivered in less than 20 minutes using extant clinical ultrasound equipment.
By injecting a commonly used contrast agent into a vein, containing millions of harmless microbubbles that travel through a patient's bloodstream to the prostate, researchers were able to use a technique called Super-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging (SRUI) to track these microbubbles.
Due to the altered blood flow in cancerous tissues, the image highlights previously unseen tumours, enabling earlier diagnosis.
The potential of the technology has been recognised by Innovate UK, which awarded Less Grey Imaging – a spin-out from Heriot-Watt University dedicated to bringing greater clarity to prostate imaging – a £370,000 grant through its ICURe Exploit funding programme.
Dr George Papageorgiou, chief executive of Less Grey Imaging, said: “By integrating ultrasound more prominently into the diagnostic pathway, we can ensure equal opportunities for early diagnosis across all regions of the UK. Our software deploys existing ultrasound equipment to enhance image quality down to microscopic detail. By minimising reliance on radiologist assessment, we intend to streamline workflows, reduce NHS costs and improve patient efficiency.”
Given the fractional cost of an ultrasound scanner compared to an MRI scanner, researchers hope their technique can provide clinicians with a valuable tool to better guide prostate biopsies and focal radiotherapy.
Professor Vassilis Sboros, from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and co-founder of Less Grey Imaging, said: “Our super-resolution ultrasound imaging technology provides a leap in imaging resolution. By utilising existing ultrasound scanners found in hospitals and clinics worldwide, we're able to produce high-resolution images of the prostate that clinicians have never seen before. This is exactly what the new government needs to tackle the challenges facing the NHS."
The technology was first proved as a concept in 2019 under lab conditions, but initial patient trials suggest it could allow clinicians to see 20 times more detail than before, revealing even concealed tumours and supporting the prevention of death from prostate cancer.
Professor Alan McNeill, consultant urological surgeon at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh and founder trustee of charity Prostate Scotland. He said: “The technology has the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy, help clinicians like me to carry out more targeted biopsies and even focus treatments with greater precision. I can anticipate it benefiting treatments like focal therapy by allowing us to pinpoint and treat cancerous tissue with greater accuracy.”
Fighting cancer is one of the five key themes for Heriot-Watt University's new Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies. Anyone interested in collaborating with the institute can contact [email protected].
(Image: Professor Vassili Sboros, via Heriot-Watt University)