Here are brief details on the projects, you can contact the researchers for further comment or interview (their contact details are also below).
Detection and Diagnosis
Single-molecule Sensing for Earlier Cancer Detection:
A recently concluded project at Cambridge University has investigated the potential for single-molecule sensing, which could bring about a quantum leap in patient treatment. By identifying structural changes within individual molecules and so enabling cancer proteins to be detected earlier than is currently possible, this technique could aid earlier diagnosis of breast cancer, as well as many other diseases. The project has successfully provided the platform for further investigation of this innovative technique. The work contributed to a patent filing in December 2002 that makes generic claims of value in the area of healthcare imaging. University Challenge Fund investment was obtained and a company, Vivamer Ltd, was established in March 2003 to exploit the imaging technology.
Contact: Professor Nigel Slater, University of Cambridge, Tel: 0-122-376-2953, E-mail: nigel_slater@cheng.cam.ac.uk
Improving the Effectiveness of Breast Screening:
Oxford University's eDiamond project aims to build a prototype for a national database of breast images that can be used in breast cancer diagnosis. A key aim is to develop the computer network infrastructure needed to allow the database to be accessed nationwide; this will be undertaken by a partnership involving the Oxford e-Science Centre, IBM and Mirada Solutions, with a view to delivering high-quality computer displays and high-speed networking. The 2-year project will also harness a unique technology developed at Oxford University that enables images taken by different equipment in different places to be standardised as they enter the database. In addition, a computer-based training package will be designed to improve the image-analysing skills of both experienced and new radiologists. eDiamond, which will involve working closely with clinical partners in four leading UK hospitals, will make the UK a world leader in breast imaging.
Contact: Professor Mike Brady, University of Oxford, Tel: 0-186-528-0930, E-mail: jmb@robots.ox.ac.uk
A New Breast Imaging Technique:
A 3-year project, led by the University of Exeter, aims to develop novel means for the X-ray imaging of cancer in breast tissues. It is investigating types of X-ray signal that are not currently used in breast screening systems and evaluate whether they could complement conventional imaging techniques. The overall aim is to assess the potential role these X-rays could play in early detection of breast cancer, which is essential to the successful treatment of the disease.
Contact: Dr David Bradley, University of Exeter, Tel: 0-139-226-4085, E-mail: d.a.bradley@exeter.ac.uk
Treatment
Optimising Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer:
A new technique designed to improve the homogeneity of radiation doses used in breast cancer treatment is now being clinically implemented at the Institute of Cancer Research. Homogeneity of radiation doses is important in ensuring that radiotherapy is as effective and as safe as possible. As a result of an EPSRC funded project, the new technique is being verified via the use of polymer gel dosimeters, which were developed by the project specifically to measure the doses of radiation received by patients. A follow-up project is now developing polymer gel dosimeters with improved features designed to assist effective radiotherapy.
Contact: Professor Steve Webb, Institute of Cancer Research, Tel: 0-208-642-6011, E-mail: steve.webb@icr.ac.uk
An Innovative Approach to Radiotherapy:
A new 3-year collaborative project between the University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast will look at a technique involving the generation of dense ionisations in cancer cells. These could produce a very effective form of radiotherapy treatment for patients. Ion beam generators have been used experimentally to produce similar effects but are very expensive and therefore impractical for routine clinical use. This project will improve understanding of the potential for a simpler mechanism based on atoms with high atomic numbers ("Z atoms"). The overall aim is to inform future development of what could be a highly effective type of radiotherapy for use in treating breast and other forms of cancer.
Contact: Professor David Hirst, University of Ulster, Tel: 0-289-036-8897, E-mail: dg.hirst@ulster.ac.uk
New Techniques for Use in Breast Cancer Surgery:
A recently concluded project at Oxford University has developed and demonstrated breast imaging techniques for use in image-guided surgery on breast cancer patients. Image-guided surgery aims to use precise measurements of tumour position and extent to minimise surgery's invasive nature. The new techniques are intended for use on breast cancer patients for whom this kind of surgery is currently ineffective (e.g. because scar tissue obscures the tumour from conventional imaging equipment). The techniques can also be used to measure tumour growth and the impact of drugs on the tumour. A major focus of the project has been to develop imaging techniques that are complementary to X-ray mammography, particularly ultrasound and contrast-enhanced MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and to combine images of different sorts to provide a more complete picture of the disease and its progression.
Contact: Professor Mike Brady, University of Oxford, Tel: 0-186-528-0930, E-mail: jmb@robots.ox.ac.uk
Better Information for Better Treatment:
A current Oxford University project could benefit the management of breast cancer and other diseases. This 6-year IT initiative is looking at ways of transforming unmanageable floods of clinical data into a manageable stream of relevant information that doctors can use more easily. It aims to overcome key scientific and technological barriers to the development of informatics systems that can help deliver quicker and more effective treatment for patients. The project involves collaboration with Oxford Instruments (UK) Ltd and Oxford Innovation Ltd.
Contact: Professor Mike Brady, University of Oxford, Tel: 0-186-528-0930, E-mail: jmb@robots.ox.ac.uk
Using Mathematics to Combat Cancer:
The use of mathematical models to help understand complex biological systems is enjoying increasing use in the field of medicine. Using high-performance computers and large datasets, a 3-year project at the University of Nottingham is developing 3-dimensional, realistic mathematical models of tumour growth in breast cancer and other forms of the disease. These models will help in the understanding and prediction of how tumours develop, and so could ultimately help in the treatment of cancer.
Contact: Dr Paul Matthews, University of Nottingham, Tel: 0-115-951-3840, E-mail: paul.matthews@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes for Editors:
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK's main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in research and postgraduate training to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and from mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements in everyone's health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. Website address for more information on EPSRC: www.epsrc.ac.uk/