Revealed, the robot that detects cancer using sense of touch
SCOTTISH scientists have developed a revolutionary robot that can detect cancer using touch.
The device could offer far less invasive procedures for patients being tested for the disease.
Researchers from Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh surgeons developed the technology, which can distinguish between normal tissue and malignant growths.
They say it could prove a valuable tool in diagnosing prostate cancer by eliminating the need for biopsies, as well as helping during surgery to remove tumours.
Currently men who suspect they have prostate problems are examined then sent for a biopsy if there are concerns – an invasive procedure which carries risks for the patient.
A large number of biopsies also come back with a negative result.
But the robotic device could be used instead of the biopsy, giving faster results.
Dr Steven Hammer, of the biomedical micro-enginering group at Heriot-Watt, said: ‘We aimed to produce a test that is faster and more accurate and cheaper than others.
‘It allows the type of disease as well as its location to be identified, all within a 15 minute examination. It has been tested on patients and we have had good results.
‘Patients will have a far faster diagnosis and more comfortable experience. For urologists there will be increased accuracy and reduced waiting lists and for healthcare providers there will be less spending on over-treatment and complications from other treatments.
‘Worldwide about 2.6 million biopsies are carried out each year and about two million of those are negative. The test can reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.’
The device uses probes to examine tissue and can tell if it is malignant by its texture.
Prostate problems are common in men, particularly those over 50. Symptoms of prostate cancer, the most common type of cancer in men in Scotland, can be difficult to distinguish from other prostate problems.
Louise de Winter is chief executive of The Urology Foundation, which helped fund the study.
She said: ‘We think this is really exciting and innovative. We hope it will give a more accurate way of deciding which men presenting with prostate problems need a biopsy.
‘If this can help doctors gauge whether a patient is at a higher risk of a virulent cancer we can target these people better.’
As well as using the technology to diagnose cancer, the researchers aim to develop it for use in surgery, to give surgeons more accurate information about the cancer as they are operating on it.
Professor Alan McNeill, programme lead for robotic surgery at the Western General
‘We have had good results’ ‘Really exciting and innovative’
Hospital in Edinburgh, said, ‘Minimal access or keyhole surgery offers patients the best outcomes and a rapid recovery.
‘Robot-assisted surgical systems help provide access to these undoubted benefits but currently lack the feedback normally available to surgeons.
‘Our experience of this type of surgery and collaboration with engineering colleagues at Heriot-Watt University provides us with an excellent opportunity to provide this missing element in robotic surgical systems.’