University of Liverpool’s New Infrared Wand Shows Promise in Revolutionizing Oral Cancer Diagnosis

University of Liverpool’s New Infrared Wand Shows Promise in Revolutionizing Oral Cancer Diagnosis

(IN BRIEF) A prototype of the Liverpool Diagnostic Infrared Wand (LDIR Wand), developed by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with the Liverpool Head and Neck Cancer Centre, has shown promising results in diagnosing oral cancer. The device uses a machine learning algorithm to analyze infrared spectral images of tissue, offering a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods like haematoxylin and eosin staining. The technology aims to improve early cancer detection, a critical factor in enhancing patient outcomes. Supported by funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s i4i programme and Cancer Research UK, the LDIR Wand could revolutionize oral cancer diagnosis and extend to other cancer types in the future.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 13-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A cutting-edge prototype for an oral cancer diagnostic device, developed by the University of Liverpool, has shown promising results in preliminary tests. Known as the Liverpool Diagnostic Infrared Wand (LDIR Wand), this device, created by the University’s physicists in collaboration with the Liverpool Head and Neck Cancer Centre (LHNCC), holds the potential to revolutionize oral cancer diagnosis.

Despite being in the early stages of development and undergoing testing with a limited set of histopathology samples, the LDIR Wand demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting the prognosis of oral cancer lesions compared to the current haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining method. This innovation utilizes a unique machine learning algorithm that analyzes infrared spectral images of tissue. The software calculates the percentage of cancer present in a specimen and offers flexibility in adjusting the balance between sensitivity and specificity, enhancing the device’s diagnostic capabilities.

Oral cancer claims over 12,000 lives annually in the UK, making early detection vital for improving patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods, based on biopsy analysis, are time-consuming, subjective, and difficult to interpret. The LDIR Wand offers an advanced alternative with the potential for faster and more accurate diagnoses.

Professor Peter Weightman, the lead researcher behind the project, emphasized that funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s i4i programme and Cancer Research UK has been instrumental in creating the LDIR Wand prototype. He expressed hope that future commercial partnerships would help bring the device to market, ultimately improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of oral cancer. “Our technology has the potential to save lives,” Weightman noted, “and while our focus is currently on oral cancer, it could extend to any cancer diagnosed through biopsy analysis.”

Professor Richard Shaw of the LHNCC added that the LDIR Wand tackles a challenging clinical issue in head and neck cancer diagnosis, especially in determining the risk level of oral lesions. “Earlier diagnosis is critical, but predicting cancer risk in oral patches is difficult,” Shaw explained. “This technology can provide better information, helping to avoid both underdiagnosis and unnecessary reassurance.”

The development of the LDIR Wand prototype has been supported by £900,000 in funding from the i4i programme and Cancer Research UK. The technology originated more than a decade ago when Professor Weightman recognized the potential of the InfraRed Free Electron Laser at the UK’s ALICE accelerator facility to study cancer. Over the years, his team, in collaboration with clinicians, has advanced the technology, securing over £5 million in funding to support its development.

Reflecting on the journey, Professor Weightman shared, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see this idea evolve from a concept into a usable tool for clinicians. The development process has been long and challenging, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for what’s next.”

For more details about the commercialization of this technology, visit: Liverpool Commercialisation Opportunity.

This project also benefits from the University of Liverpool’s Enterprise Team, known for its expertise in partnering with companies to bring innovative technologies to market.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool